Francis Joseph Keimig was born May 16, 1922 on a farm in Gary, SD to Frank and Anna (Mirr) Keimig. He received is First Communion on October 27, 1935, at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Gary, SD. He attended Deuel County Public Schools and received his diploma from elementary school (District 11) on June 13, 1936. Francis moved to Estelline and graduated from Estelline High School on May 23, 1941. Francis was inducted into the United States Marines on April 16, 1945 and was honorably discharged on June 30, 1945.

He was united in marriage to Frances E. Lavery on May 28, 1946 at Estelline. They lived on a farm south of Estelline for two years and then purchased the farm six miles west of Estelline. He farmed and hauled livestock until 1987. In 1988 he moved to his current residence 2 miles north and 1 mile west of Estelline. Francis died on Sunday, December 27, 2015 at Prairie Lakes Hospital in Watertown at the age of 93 years.

He was an active member of the American Legion and served as the Local and County Post Commander. Francis was also a very active member of St. Francis deSales Catholic Church in Estelline.

In his retirement years, Francis loved to play cards, dice and he continued his love for dancing. He enjoyed collecting coins, tinkering in his workshop, making wine, creating furniture and other "inventions."

Francis is survived by his three sons and two daughters: Jerome (Sue) Keimig of Aitkin, MN; Joanne (William) Adkins, Cody, WY, Kathleen (Steven) Rasmussen of Chaska, MN, Steven (Diane) Keimig of Aurora, SD and Kenneth (Joan Prestrude) Keimig of Estelline, SD; his sister: Jolenta Hinsvark of Woodburn, OR; his brother: Maynard Keimig of Brookings; 17 Grandchildren, 24 Great-Grandchildren and 2 Great-Great Grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife of 41 years Frances Keimig, four brothers and eight sisters. Mary Ann Anderson-Keimig and long time friend Jean Montgomery.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 A.M., Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Estelline. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Tuesday at the church followed by a Scripture Service at 7:00 PM.