Beverly Francis

Beverly Dee Francis, age 70 of rural Apple River, IL passed away unexpectedly on Friday, October 29, 2021 at Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County in Darlington, WI. She was born September 10, 1951 in Galesburg, IL the daughter of William and Martha (Weaver) Palmburg. Bev grew up in Illinois where she graduated from Libertyville High School in 1969. On November 27, 1982 Bev married the love of her life, Ken Francis at First Assembly of God in Lake Villa, IL. After her marriage, Bev moved to Warren, IL and later settled in rural Apple River where she has resided since. Bev is survived by her husband Ken at home; her children: Lisa Francis, Karen Lloyd, Kerry (Brian) Caez, and Kimmy (Kenji) Fukuda; her grandchildren: Brandon, Tina, Samantha, and Danny; her great-grandchildren: Konnor, Kyle, Ella, and Finnegan; her sister: Deanna (Bill) Kaiser of Libertyville, IL; one niece: Laura (Greg) Polka; three nephews: Patrick (Megan) Kaiser, Derek (Amanda) Kaiser and Nathan Kaiser and great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents. Bev was a member of First Baptist Church in Darlington and its First Baptist Women's Group. She was also a proud member of Meridian Homemakers and Jo Daviess County Right to Life. Bev was a very talented violinist who played for the Community Theater and Avon Players Group where she also acted and played many roles and later directed shows. She also enjoyed baking, crafting, and camping. Bev was an excellent baker and made the best cookies and chocolate covered snacks. Bev and Ken also proudly hosted foreign exchange students for over 10 years from both Germany and Argentina. She had a kind soul and always made sure to make those around her feel safe and welcome. She cherished the time she spent with her family creating memories they will all remember forever. She will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by her family and friends. A funeral service will be held Saturday, November 6, 2021, at 1:00 P.M. at First Baptist Church (15691 County Rd K, Darlington) with Rev. Nick McElrath officiating. Burial will be in West Ella Cemetery. A visitation will be held Friday, November 5, 2021, from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at First Baptist Church and on Saturday from 12:00 P.M. until 12:45 P.M at the church. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com. For those who prefer, a memorial fund has been established in Bev's name.