Francis Krafthefer

Francis “Frank” Miles Krafthefer was born on May 7, 1958 in Alexandria, MN to Freddie and Florence (Schulz) Krafthefer. The fifth of six children, Francis grew up in a rambunctious and lively household, where he showed his siblings how to catch bullheads without bait and shared telepathic moments with his “twin” sister Faye, who knew his thoughts and needs without him needing to ask. Francis was everyone’s favorite on the playground because of the underdog pushes he would give fellow kids on the swing set, and his siblings were known only as “Francis’ brother” or “Francis’ sister”. A curious and precocious child, Francis loved tinkering with legos and fixing or building things. In 1976, Francis graduated from Jefferson Senior High School in Alex before moving to Fergus Falls where he held a variety of jobs, including working at the local mall, Production Alternatives, and finally as a janitor at Thiele Manufacturing for over 20 years, where he earned many certificates of appreciation for his dedication to his work, promptness, and excellent attendance.

As an adult, Francis enjoyed trains and steam thresher shows such as Rollag, his favorite being the Lake Region Thresher Reunion in Dalton, MN. He also never missed the Ottertail or Douglas County fairs, often attending them for four days in-a-row while he and Faye went on rides together. Francis had no enemies, and was only observed to be outright angry once, after his nephews hid his beloved whistle, that he used to direct others, in a sand pile. A friend to all, Francis was known by his barber to never miss a beat whilst tapping along to a song during a haircut, and by his waitress for being a gentleman with impeccable manners. In quite a distinguished fashion, he would raise an index finger and make an announcement to excuse himself to the restroom or before belching.

Francis will be remembered for being master of the world’s dumbest jokes, his love of candy, and his astute politeness. On Wednseday, May 15th, 2019, at the age of 61, Francis passed away at the Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls, his heart having grown so large from kindness for such a small guy. He is preceded in death by his father, Freddie Krafthefer; brothers, “Buddy” Marlo Schulz and Paul Krafthefer, and a few pets, specifically Nicki and Specks.

Francis is survived by his mother, Florence Krafthefer; brothers, Fabian (Ann) and Fred (Lana) Krafthefer; sister, Faye (Dennis) Helmer, and many nieces, nephews, friends, and coworkers.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 22nd from 5-7 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria and continue on Thursday, May 23rd from noon to 1 PM, followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 1 PM at the funeral home. Interment to follow in Evergreen Cemetery.