Marlyn “Jean” Francis

A Celebration of Life for Marlyn “Jean” Francis will be held on Monday, August 12 from 12-2 p.m. at the Heritage Town Center in Buffalo Center. Family and friends are invited to come and share a light lunch and memories of Jean. Jean passed away peacefully on Monday, July 22, 2024.

Jean was born in Buffalo Center to Lillian Kiewiet on August 12, 1935. Lillian married George Beaving in 1945 and adopted 10-year-old Jean. She grew up in Buffalo Center with many cousins, enjoyed playing clarinet in marching band, and working in Beaving’s Ben Franklin store as a young lady.

Jean received her teaching degree from University of Northern Iowa in 1955 and would continue to mold young lives for over 40 years in Webster City and Waterloo, as well as White Earth and Waubun, MN. Jean married Bruce Francis in 1961, and they had two children, Joe and Annie Francis. Jean devoted her life to teaching and operating the family resort, Long Bridge, in Detroit Lakes (DL), MN before retiring on Buffalo Lake just north of DL. Jean moved to Anoka, MN in 2000 to be near her children and grandchildren after the passing of her husband.

Jean is preceded in death by her parents, George and Lil Beaving, and her husband, Bruce. She is survived by her children, Joe Francis, Annie Ramsey, son-in-law Jon Ramsey, grandchildren Jeffrey, Julianne, and Jack Ramsey, and brother George “Butch” Beaving.

Jean was a strong, smart, loving, and kind lady who had a special relationship with each person who knew her, especially her grandchildren. She was an avid quilter who loved flowers, dogs, and passing on her wisdom to her children and grandchildren. She will truly be missed.

Online condolences may be left at www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com