Francis Austin Madler, 91, passed away on July 17, 2024, at Edgewood Vista in Spearfish, S.D., with family by his side.

Francis was born Feb. 15, 1933, to Minnie (Jesfield) and Charles Madler in Baker, Mont. He joined an older brother, Charles "Bud," and was later joined by Bernard "Barney" and half-brother, Douglas "Doug" Arnoldt. He grew up in Ollie, Mont., and attended school there. Later, he attended high school in Sturgis, S.D. Having a love for farming, he moved back to Ollie and started his lifelong career of farming and raising cattle.

Francis married the love of his life, JoAn Phebus, in 1953. The newlyweds bought a home in Ollie and lived there for 50 years. Four children were born to the union: Jeffrey (Kathy), Tracee (Kim) Wagenman, Steven (Lorri), and LuAnn (Rod) Hill. While the family was still on the farm they started a custom meat-processing business, and they all worked together in the operation.

Upon retiring in 2000, Francis and JoAn bought a home in Dickinson, N.D. and lived there during the transition, then they later moved to Spearfish. Francis spent many years serving the Lord in numerous civic and church communities and felt blessed to do so. Many opportunities came his way to be a blessing as a layman speaking in churches, teaching Sunday School classes, serving on church boards, and encouraging others in their Christian faith. Francis and JoAn were blessed to have 10 wonderful grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Francis was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Charles and Douglas; a granddaughter, Steffany Cox; and a son-in-law, Kim Wagenman.

There will be a celebration of life service for Francis at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 23, at Calvary Assembly of God Church in Spearfish with burial at Rose Hill Cemetery following the service.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Isburg Crematory of Spearfish.