Francis J. Mathias

He was born on March 14, 1952 in Daggett, Mich., son to John and Rosenna (LeFeve) Mathias. Francis graduated from Bark River Harris School in 1971.

He was an independent truck driver for many years.

Francis loved visiting with friends and family and always appreciated meeting new people. He enjoyed snowmobiling, listening to audio books, and talking about all things automotive. He definitely had a sweet tooth, especially ice cream and Oreos.

Among survivors are his children, Angela (Ken) Beauchamp of Garden City, Mich. and Chuck (Christy) Mathias of Rapid River; grandchildren, Benjamin and Nathan Beauchamp and Eleanore Mathias; former wife, Karen (Mark) Bergstrom of Bark River; sisters, Lois Moore, Rosanne Weber, Joanne Mathias, Sharon Mathias, and Cynthias Mann; brother, David (Sharon) Mathias; sisters-in-law, Janet Meintz, Sandy Mathias, and Cheryl Mathias; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by six brothers, Dennis Meintz, Warren Meintz, Bob Mathias, Carl Mathias, John Mathias Jr., and Ron Mathias; and brothers-in-law, Don Mann, Allan Weber, and Ray Moore.

Visitation will be on Monday, April 22 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Crawford Funeral Chapel in Bark River. The funeral service will follow at 5 p.m. with Pastor Lewis Hague officiating.

Burial will be in Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery in Banat, Mich.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Delta County Cancer Alliance.

A special thank you to Cedar Hill Assisted Living for the loving care that was given to Francis over the years. A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net. The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the family.