Francis M. Ansay

Francis M. Ansay of Belgium was called home on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, at the age of 94.

He was born to Arthur and Mary (Schueller) Ansay on April 10, 1930, in Lake Church, Wis.   

Francis married the love of his life, Joan Rosewitz, on Sept. 12, 1953, at St. Mary’s Church in Port Washington. Francis and Joan raised two children.

Francis lived in Lake Church, where he worked at his father’s cheese factory until his family moved to Belgium to help run the family’s dairy farm.

He graduated from Port High School in 1949 and then proudly served his country in the U.S. Army in Germany.

After the military, Francis returned to work on the family farm and did so until his retirement.

He and Joan were long time members of Divine Savior Holy Cross in Belgium.  Francis was an active member of the Melvin Wester Belgium Memorial American Legion Post 412.  He loved his Oliver tractors and belonged to Badgerland Oliver Collectors Club.  Francis was a member of Cushman Club of America and The Singing Farmers. His hobbies included bowling, golfing and woodworking.

Francis’s memory will be cherished by his children Daniel (Ardell) Ansay and Gerri (Roy) Bichler; grandchildren Erin (Derek) Hobbs, Katie (Matt) Graziano, Eric Bichler, Jason (Meghan) Bichler and Ryan Bichler; six great-grandchildren; brother-in-law Sylvester Prom; and sisters-in-law Jean (Joe) Gasser, Janice Albrecht and Diane Zettler. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Joan; sisters Marjorie (Rich) Harns and Madeline Prom; brother Arno (Luella) Ansay; sister-in-law Mary Ann (Don) Liermann; and brothers-in-law Ronald Albrecht and Alvin Zettler.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024, at Divine Savior Catholic Parish, Holy Cross Chapel, 5330 County Rd. B, Belgium 53004. The family will receive visitors at the church from 4 to 5:45 p.m.

Francis will be laid to rest next to his wife at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Lake Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Camp American Legion or Divine Savior Catholic Parish.

Eernisse Funeral Home of Belgium is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.