Francis Bolander, 93, of Winner, SD passed away on Tuesday, November 21st, 2023 at the Avera Gregory Health Care Center in Gregory, SD. A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, November 28th, 2023 at 11:00AM at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD. Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday, November 27th, 2023 from 6-7PM with a 7PM Rosary at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD.

Francis was born on August 31, 1930, in Winner, SD. He was the third of eleven children to Cornelius and Anne (Speckman) Bolander and was raised on the family farm northwest of Winner. He attended Sunnyside Country school through the 6th grade, St. Mary's school for 7th and 8th grades and graduated from Winner High School in 1950.

After graduation, he worked on the family farm until December 1951, when he enlisted in the US Air Force. While in the Air Force, he was stationed in Texas, England and Africa. On leave, he traveled extensively throughout Europe and was discharged Oct. 1955.

Francis returned to the family farm and farmed with his father and brother Richard.  Francis and Richard eventually purchased the farm from their parents where he lived until moving to the Golden Prairie Manor in August 2023.

Francis was an active member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a life member of the VFW and American Legion and the Clerk for Black Township for many years.

As he cut back on his farming duties, he advised his nephews as they took over farm operations.  He enjoyed gardening and canning the harvest from his garden. Francis was an avid crossword and sudoku puzzler.

Francis loved spending time with family, especially his nieces and nephews.  He liked to show them farm life- feeding and chasing cattle, driving equipment, welding and fixing just about anything that needed fixing.  You name it, he would help.  He will be remembered for his sly smile and Bolander laugh.

Francis is survived by sisters Theresa Weber, Mary Wellesley, Loretta (Bobb) Allen, Joan Brunkow, Diane (Bob) Vrbsky, brother Donald Bolander, sister-in-laws Doreen Bolander and Sherri Bolander, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded in death by his parents Cornelius and Anne, brothers Richard, Daniel and Robert, sister Genevieve, niece Sandy, nephews James and William, sister-in- law Hannah, and brother-in-law Duane.