Francis J De Florian

Francis J. De Florian, 85, of Stoddard, died on Friday, December 27, 2013 in his home. He was born on May 29, 1928 in Genoa, Wisconsin to Leo and Barbara (Trussoni) De Florian. As a boy he farmed in Genoa. He then served in the U.S. Army from 1951-1953 during the Korean War, receiving the Bronze Star Medal. Upon returning he worked at Peter Nelson construction as a mud mixer. He married Beatrice Fillner on September 27, 1958 at Blessed Sacrament Parish in La Crosse. Frances enjoyed gardening and always had a garden. He chopped down many trees on his brother-in-laws land for burning in the wood stove. He was a member of American Legion Post 52 in La Crosse.

He is survived by his wife Beatrice, a brother Bernard Bud (Joyce) De Florian of Coon Valley, many nieces and nephews, one brother-in-law Henry Fillner, two sisters-in-law Janet McCann and Doris Melcher. He was preceded in death by two brothers and seven sisters.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, December 30, 2013 at Mary, Mother of the Church Parish at St. Thomas More Catholic Church. Rev. Douglas Robertson will officiate. Entombment, with military honors, will follow in the St. Francis of Assisi Mausoleum, Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call at the Schumacher Kish Funeral & Cremation Services, La Crosse Chapel, 200 West Ave. S. on Sunday from 4-6 PM, where a rosary will be recited at 4:00 PM and again at the church on Monday from 9:30 AM until the time of service. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Mary, Mother of the Church Parish or St. Judes Hospice.