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ESCANABA - Francis P. Rodgers, 88, Escanaba, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Jan. 2, 2009. Franny was born on Oct. 21, 1920, to the late George and Melina (Perron) Rodgers in Escanaba. On May 18, 1946, he married the former Eleanor Bourdlais at St. Joseph's Church in Escanaba. She preceded him in death on Aug. 26, 2008.

In 1939 Franny graduated from St. Joseph's High School. Soon after the start of World War II, he entered the United States Army on July 7, 1942, and served his country until Dec. 29, 1945. Franny was a member of the 95th Infantry Division and saw action in Northern France, the Ardennes (Battle of the Bulge), Rhineland and Central Europe. He was wounded in action in France in November 1944, and was decorated by General Patton receiving the Purple Heart.

Throughout his life, Franny worked for the L & L trucking company retiring in 1982 from C.W. Transport. He was a member of St. Anne's Parish, the Highland Golf Club and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Franny's favorite past times were golfing, bowling, fishing, hunting, dancing and enjoying time with his friends. He will also be remembered as a wonderful craftsman, for he enjoyed making detailed wooden models of spinning wheels and ships.

He is survived by one sister, Mary Alice (Rodgers) Stefl; a brother-in-law, Gerald Stefl; and their six children, Mary Kay Feit, John Stefl, Barb Stefl, Tom Stefl, Mark Stefl and Jim Stefl; a sister-in-law, Dorothy Derouin; and niece, Barbara (Jon) Flath and their children Matthew and Mark Flath and Kristin (Dave) Lord, as well as other nieces: Sharon Frazer, Marlene LaChance, Roberta Rodgers, Betty Rodgers; and a nephew, Edward Rodgers.

Franny was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 62 years; two brothers, William and Robert Rodgers; and one sister, Margaret (Rodgers) Wagner.

Friends may call from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6, at Allo Funeral Home in Escanaba. The Delta County Veterans Council will hold a service at 3:15 p.m. and a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated following visitation at 4 p.m. at St. Anne's Parish with Fr. Francis DeGroot officiating. A luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall. Burial will take place in the Holy Cross Cemetery in the spring.