Francis ‘Red’ House, 87, of Austin, Minnesota, died Thursday, April 13, 2017, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Home.

Francis William was born Jan. 1, 1930, in Bradford, Illinois, to Theodore and Ethyl (Chase) House. After living in Wisconsin and Minnesota as a young child, he graduated from Austin High School in 1948 and then attended Arizona State University. Francis was employed by Hormel Foods Corp. for 37 ½ years, retiring Aug. 27, 1985. On Aug. 19, 1950, Francis married Phyllis Anderson at St. Olaf Church in Austin. The couple raised three children. Phyllis passed away April 8, 2002. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, achieving the rank of Airman First Class and serving in Texas, Arizona, Alaska and Ohio. On Feb. 14, 2004, Francis married Marilyn Maloney. Marilyn passed away in 2011. Francis volunteered for children at St. Olaf Church in Austin and enjoyed golfing, coaching softball, and attending his grandchildren’s activities. He belonged to St. Augustine Catholic Church and the American Legion. Francis was a friend to many people and was loved by anyone who knew him. He always had a kind smile for everyone he talked with, and was always willing to share his time with anyone who needed his help 

Francis is survived by his children, Stephen (Cecelia) House of New Brighton, Minnesota, Michael (Mary) House of Jacksonville, Florida, and Cindy Meany of Rose Creek, Minnesota; six grandchildren, Matthew House of Jacksonville, Derek (Melony) Berndt of Austin, Angela (Kieran) Houlahan of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, Margaret (Jeremy) Elliot of Burnsville, Minnesota, Grant (Kayla) Meany of Austin, and Rebecca (Alex) Earl of Austin; several great-grandchildren; and his sister, Jeanette and brother-in-law (Marvin) Miller of Adams, Minnesota. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Phyllis; his second wife, Marilyn; his sister and brother-in-law, Betty (Ronnie) Manning; his brother and sister-in-law, Paul (Lois) House; and his brother, Eugene House, who was killed in the Korean War.

A memorial Mass will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 19, 2017, at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Father James Steffes officiating. The House family will greet friends from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18, 2017, at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin with a 6:45 p.m. parish prayer service. Visitation will continue on Wednesday morning for one hour prior to Mass at the church. Interment with military honors by American Legion Post 91 will be in Oakwood Cemetery.

Memorials can be directed to the family of Francis House or a recipient of donor’s choice. Services prearranged and performed by Worlein Funeral Home of Austin. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.