June 13, 1926 – November 18, 2021

Francis Faber, 95, of Luverne, Minn., died on Thursday, November 18, 2021, at Sanford USD in Sioux Falls, S.D. Funeral service was held Friday, November 26, 2021, 2:00 p.m., at the Christian Reformed Church in Luverne. Burial followed at Maplewood Cemetery.

Francis Faber was born June 13, 1926, to William and Roelina (Driesen) Faber and grew up on the family farm south of Rock Rapids, Iowa, near Lakewood Corner. He was drafted into the Army Air Corps during World War II, and while stationed in Long Beach, Calif., met Audrey Hop of nearby Artesia. Francis and Audrey were united in marriage on July 26, 1945, and after completing his military obligation, they moved to Artesia where Francis went to work for a local dairy. In 1951 the family moved to Madison, S.D., where Francis began his farming career. They moved one year later to a farm northeast of Inwood, Iowa, and five years later to a farm north of Lester, Iowa. In 1966 Francis and Audrey purchased their farm west of Luverne, Minn., where they remained until they retired. After retirement they spent winters in Mesa, Ariz., making many new friends. In 2012, Francis and Audrey moved to Crown Point Senior Living Facility in Sioux Center, Iowa. Audrey went to be with the Lord on July 20, 2016. Francis purchased a house and moved to Luverne.

On Thursday, November 18, 2021, Francis died peacefully at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls at the age of 95 years, 5 months, and 5 days.

Francis was a member of the Christian Reformed Church in Luverne and served on numerous committees. He was also a charter member of Maranatha Christian Reformed Church in Mesa, Arizona.

Francis is survived by his son, William “Butch” (Cathy) Faber of Pacific Grove, Calif.; daughter, Judi (Ed) Boersma of Minneapolis, Minn.; 18 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Darla Faber of Luverne; and son-in-law, Dennis Vander Plaats of Sioux Center.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Audrey Faber; son, Robert Faber; daughters, Gloria Ackerman Vander Plaats and Crystal Faber; great-grandchildren, Breiton Ackerman, Kyle Faber, and Christian Dodson; great-great-grandchild, Paige Punt; grandson-in-law, Robert Hall; brothers, Ronald, Harold, and Wilbur; sister, Harriet Faber; son-in-law, Barney “Bud” Ackerman, Jr.; parents, William and Roelina; and half-sisters, Inez and Catherine.