Francis Wendell, 79, died Saturday, June 26, 2010 at Sanford Centennial Hospice Cottage, Sioux Falls after a two year battle with cancer. He was born December 29, 1930 at Artesian, SD to Everett and Esther (Peterson) Wendell. In 1944 the family moved to Egan, SD and he graduated from Egan High School in 1948. He joined the US Navy in 1950 and was discharged in 1954. Francis then started farming south of Egan and married Barbara Bruce on August 31, 1957 in Sioux Falls. He became a rural mail carrier in 1956 and retired after 36 years with the postal service in May of 1992. His wife preceded him in death on March 12, 1974. Francis married Lucy Witczek on August 2, 1975 in Colman and he continued to farm until 2005. He enjoyed spending time with his family, farming, watching boxing and basketball and reading. Working with his livestock was his passion.

Francis is survived by his wife, Lucy; 7 children, Tammy Wendell, Brookings, Becky Wiechers, Flandreau, Lori (Blaine) Terwilliger, Winfred, Jolie (Curt) Shippy, Lakeville, MN, Steve (Tammy) Wendell, Trent, Rick Witczek, Egan and Sue Wendell, O'Fallon, MO; 15 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara, three infant children, parents, three sisters and one brother.

Funeral services will be 10:30 am Thursday at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Flandreau, with burial in Hillside Cemetery, Egan. Visitation is from 5:00 – 7:00 pm Wednesday with a 7:00 pm prayer service at Skroch Funeral Chapel, Flandreau.