Francis J. Heimer, 80, of Hokah, Minn., died Wednesday, March 30, 2011, at the VA Medical Center in Tomah.

He was born Feb. 11, 1931, in Austin to William and Anna (Koenigs) Heimer. He served with the U.S. Army from Feb. 9, 1952, to Jan. 20, 1954. He married Mary Ann Klapperick on Jan. 12, 1957, in Austin. Francis had worked for the Minnesota Department of Transportation and Mathy Construction. He loved hunting, fishing and all kinds of sports. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife Mary Ann, five daughters, Karen (Hal) Delaney of Eau Claire, Audry (Steve) Schieber of La Crescent, Donna (Fred) Lupien of Hartford, S.D., Annette (Mark) Ganrude of Ruther Glen, Va., and Theresa (Roger) Thompson of Rosemount, Minn.; two sons, Mike Heimer of West Salem and John (Shawn) Heimer of Brownsville, Minn., 14 grandchildren and one great-grandchild; two sisters-in-law, Emma Heimer and Dorothy Heimer.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson; five sisters and four brothers.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, April 4, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Hokah. The Reverand Joseph Pete will officiate. Burial with military honors will follow in the Crucifixion Cemetery, LaCrescent, Minn. Friends may call at the Schumacher – Kish Funeral Home of La Crescent on Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. where a rosary will be recited at 5:30 p.m. and again at the church on Monday from 9 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Peter’s School. Online condolences may be offered at www.schumacher-kish.com.