Michael R. Francis

Michael Ronald “Franny” Francis, 66, of Fairbury, NE, passed on January 10, 2022 at his home. He was born on June 7, 1955 to Ronald and Nioma (Yancey) Francis in Hebron, NE.

Mike graduated from Fairbury High School in 1973. He worked as a cable technician most of his career, working at Time Warner Cable for nearly 30 years. He ended that career spending the last 7 years at Diode Communications.

Mike was married to Faye Niederklein on September 3, 1978 at Grace Lutheran Church in Fairbury. They were blessed with two daughters and a son.

Mike spent most of his childhood camping and boating at Harlan County Lake.  He carried on his love for the lake into his adult life. Most weekends were spent camping with his family and friends. Fishing, trips to the beach, and taking his kids tubing were the things he enjoyed most. Hunting was another favorite pastime, even going on a caribou hunt with his son in Canada. Although he didn’t grow up on a farm, he loved to help his father-in-law, learning what farm life all entailed. Mike was a member of Pheasants Forever, Fairbury Elk’s Lodge #1203, and Grace Lutheran Church in Fairbury.

He is survived by his wife Faye of Fairbury, NE; daughter Jami and Nate Canham of Norfolk, NE; daughter Staci and Dustin Jones of Lincoln, NE; and son Nathan and Kim Francis of Fairbury, NE; grandchildren Gracyn, Emma, and Grant Canham, Lexi Francis, Nova and Mason Jones, Brecken, Kayson, and Kohen Francis; brothers-in-law Les (Joyce) Niederklein, Lyle Niederklein, Monte (Mary) Niederklein; sister-in-law Joyce Huff; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law Willis and LaVona Niederklein, and brothers-in-law Lonnie Niederklein and Lloyd Niederklein.

Services will be Friday, January 21, 2022 at 11:00 at Grace Lutheran Church in Fairbury.  The family will greet friends Thursday evening at the Funeral Home from 5 - 7 p.m. Memorials will go to the Family's Choice.  Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.