---

Francis N. Jelen, age 90, of Center City, Minn., died March 30, 2008.

Frank was born in St. Leo, Minn. Son of Vincent and Mary, loving husband of Berniece, dearest father of Suzanne (Mike), Julie (Gary), Bruce (Diane), Carol (Tim), Larry (Darla), Byron (Nona), Jeff, Lisa (Tom); grandfather of Max, Fran, Matt, Shawn, Andrea, Alex, Nick, Joseph, Rose, Petrea, Charlie, and Jacob; great-grandfather of baby Maxwell Jr. Brother of Lucille, Lillian, and Rita.

He is proceeded in death by brothers Edmund, Joseph, Albert, Alois, Mathias, Leo, Clem and sister Cecilia.

He served in WWII earning the Purple Heart award. Francis proudly raised his family within the St. Bernard's Catholic community and worked for Amoco Chemical of St. Paul before retiring to the Chisago Lakes area. He was a loving and gentle man and was loved by all. He enjoyed his hobbies of fishing, camping and square dancing with family and relatives.

Mass of Christian Burial is at 11 a.m., Friday, April 4, at St. Bridget's Catholic Church, in Lindstrom. Visitation 4-7:30 p.m., Thursday at Grandstrand Funeral Home in Lindstrom, and one hour prior to service at church. Interment Franconia Cemetery. Memorials preferred to donor's choice.

---