Francis Gray

Francis “Frank” A. Gray , age 84, of Danbury, formerly of Prescott, passed away unexpectedly on September 19, 2017 at the Spooner Hospital. Francis was born on July 25, 1933 in Caledonia, MN, to parents, Leonella (Kunst) and Frank Gray. He enlisted in the United States Navy on February 2, 1953 and was honorably discharged on February 1, 1957. On July 12, 1958, Francis was united in marriage to Lavon Denzer. They made their home in Prescott, where they raised their children together. Francis had many different employment ventures throughout his life. He started at McKees Auto Hauler located in St. Paul, MN, where he was employed for 10 years. He then went on to Armors Meat Pack in So. St. Paul, MN, for an additional 10 years. He was later employed by Independent Meat Co. until they closed and in 1984 he opened his own meat business which he called “Frank’s Meats” in Prescott, WI. After retirement in 1994, Francis and Lavon moved to the Danbury area to their home on Bass Lake. Francis enjoyed fishing, hunting and playing cards. He greatly enjoyed playing golf for the Zoo league. He enjoyed all sports, but especially liked football and cheering on the Green Bay Packers. He was a past little league baseball coach and Boy Scout Leader in Prescott. Francis liked to live life large. He was always chalk full of entertaining stories. He was an active and loving father who taught his children everything they know. He will always be remembered for his big heart and his ability to talk to just about anybody about anything interesting. He will be deeply missed. Preceding Francis in death are his parents; son, Michael Gray; siblings: Leonard Gray, Mary O’Heron, George Gray and Tom Gray. Francis is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Lavon Gray; children: Paula Gray, Timothy Gray and William Gray (Pamela); 1 grandson, Gregory (Beth); 7 granddaughters: Camille (Brad), Rebecca (Antwan), Julie (Scott), Natasha, Stephanie, Andrea (Zach) and Cindy; siblings: Don (Judy) Gray, Evelyn (Bill) Stoeklen, Jim (Mel) Weslaski and Judy Whitney; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. The visitation will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2017 from 3:00pm – 7:00pm at the Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home in Webster, WI, a Prayer Service will conclude the night at 7:00pm. The Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 11:00am (visitation from 9:00-11:00am) at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Prescott, WI. Interment will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, following the service, with full military honors being conducted at the graveside. Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home in Webster, WI. Online condolences may be expressed at www.swedberg-taylor.com