Francis Joseph Meierhofer

Francis J. Meierhofer, age 86, of Kimball died Monday, June 6, 2022 at Hilltop Health Care Center in Watkins.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 13, 2022 at Holy Cross Catholic Church near Kimball with Fr. Matthew Crane as the Celebrant. Visitation will take place from 3-6 p.m. on Sunday at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel in Annandale and one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church. A prayer service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral chapel. The services will be livestreamed on the funeral home website.

Francis Joseph Meierhofer was born on January 30, 1936 in Watkins to Joseph and Rose (Donnay) Meierhofer. He attended grade school at St. Anthony Catholic School in Watkins and graduated from St. Boniface in Cold Spring with the Class of 1954. He enlisted in the US Army, serving as a Chaplain's assistant in Korea. Upon his return home, Fran worked a short time for Mies in Watkins and continued his education to be a mechanic. On August 16, 1958, Fran was united in marriage to Velma Schackmann in Watkins. They lived in St. Cloud, Brooklyn Center, and Clear Lake before settling in Kimball. Fran worked as a Fleet Mechanic for the Minnesota Department of Transportation, and for over 20 years with Northern States Power. His wife, Velma died in 2004. While on a religious retreat, Fran met Cecilia (Schreifels) Gertken; they were later married at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Richmond on June 25, 2011.

Fran was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Marty, the Catholic Order of Foresters, and the Legion of Mary. He enjoyed working in his shop and on his hobby farm, making wine, wintering in Arizona and traveling. Faith was a central part of Fran's life as was displayed in his ministry at the jails in St. Cloud and Foley, pilgrimage to Medjugorje and Israel, creation of hand-made rosaries from seeds he grew, and daily prayer.He is survived by his wife, Cecilia of Cold Spring; four children, Dan (Marie) of Liberty, MO, Robert of Lake Elmo, Cheryl Protas of Paynesville, and Julie Maruska of Mound; ten grandchildren, Jason, Kari (Patrick), Matthew, Mikaela, Sara, Samuel, Joseph, Alex, Emma, and Caleb; 2 great-grandchildren, Patrick "Ricky" and Jaxson; five step-children, Rodney (Lois) Gertken, Melissa Hilgers, Angela (Brad) Kersman, Michelle (Craig) Haag, and Lori (Ryan) Ruland; 12 step grandchildren; 1 step great-grandchild; and sisters, Donna Rossman of St. Cloud, Sr. Marlene Meierhofer, OSB of St. Cloud, Rose Ann (Larry) Neu of New Brighton, and Marion (Clarence) Linn of Woodbury. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Rose; first wife, Velma; and brothers, Wilfred, Gerald, and Alvin.

The casket bearers will be Jason Meierhofer, Kari Murphy, Matthew Protas, Sara Meierhofer, Samuel Maruska, Alex Meierhofer, and Caleb Meierhofer. Bob Meierhofer, Mikaela Meierhofer, Joseph Maruska and Emma Maruska will provide the music for the service. Arrangements are entrusted with Dingmann Funeral Care Burial & Cremation Services of Annandale.

Obituary, Tribute Wall, Video Tribute and Funeral Webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com

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