Obituary: Francis Joseph Ehlers

May 13, 1927 ~ April 30, 2020

  Francis J. Ehlers, 92, of Sturgeon Bay, passed away on April 30, 2020 at Whispering Pines Assisted Living Facility.

     Francis was born May 13, 1927 to Edward and Rose (Thorn) Ehlers of rural Sturgeon Bay. He graduated from Sevastopol High School in 1945.  Francis served in the US Navy during WWII and the Korean War.  In addition to farming in Egg Harbor, Francis worked at Peterson Builders for 37 years, retiring in 1989.  

     Francis was a member of the American Legion Post 72 and the Door County Historical Society.  On November 11, 1950, Francis married Evelyn Gray in Baileys Harbor, WI, and together they raised four boys. He enjoyed hunting, golfing, dancing to Polkas and playing his accordion for family and friends. He enjoyed entertaining residents at the Dorchester Golden Living Nursing Center with his music.

     Two years after Evelyn’s passing, Evelyn’s sister Dolores introduced Francis to Bee Tiesling.  Bee and Francis were married in 1989.  

     Francis is survived by children Dean (Deborah) Ehlers, Dale (Dian) Ehlers, Don (Christy) Ehlers. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren as well as sister-in-law Mary Ann Ehlers, nieces and nephews.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Rose Ehlers, first wife, Evelyn, son Lee Ehlers and second wife, Bee Tiesling-Ehlers. Siblings, Lucille (Ernest) Stoeger, Ervin (Mae) Ehlers, Leroy (Erma) Ehlers, Bernice Ehlers, Clarence Ehlers, Clifford Ehlers and Jerome Ehlers also preceded him in death.

      A funeral service to honor Francis life will be held via Facebook live on Thursday, May 7, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Bob Stegmann officiating. He will be laid to rest next to his wife in Lakeview Cemetery, Jacksonport. Military honors will be given by U.S. Navy.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the family at 1300 Clay Banks Road, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235.

     Family would like to extend very sincere thanks to Whispering Pines Assisted Living Facility for their dedication and compassionate care given to Francis for the past six years.  Additionally, we appreciate the excellent care given to him by the staff at Compassus Hospice. 

     Sign online guest register, leave memories and pictures at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com