Francis Robert Sohler

Francis R. Sohler, age 94, of Lake Crystal, died on Saturday, May 20, 2017 at St. Luke’s Care Center in Blue Earth. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, May 24 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church.  Visitation will be held from 9:30-11:00 a.m. prior to the service at the church.  Burial will be at Holy Family Cemetery.  Lake Crystal Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Memorials are preferred to the Holy Family Catholic Church building fund or St. Luke’s Care Center.

Francis was born on February 10, 1923 in Mankato to Simon and Cecelia (Abts) Sohler.  He graduated from Loyola High School.  On January 31, 1945, Francis was united in marriage to Phyllis Huebl at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Mankato.  He spent his entire life farming in Lake Crystal.  Fran was a longtime member of Holy Family Catholic Church and served as an usher and lector.  He was also a member of the town board in Judson Township.  He enjoyed reading, playing Scrabble, traveling, and spending time with his family.  Fran always said how it was an honor and privilege to be able to care for Phyllis in their later years. 

Fran is survived by seven children, Helen (Roger) Hove, Joseph (Patti Hanson) Sohler, Susanne (Richard) Arens, Michael (Nancy) Sohler, Carol Riewe, Patricia (Emil) Pecholt, and Dianne (Ted) Roberts; 18 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; brother-in-law, Don Huebl; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Phyllis in 2016; four grandchildren; three brothers, and four sisters.