Francis S. June Jr., 76

Francis June, a native of Kalispell and philanthropist of life, who gave of himself and touched the lives and hearts of many, passed away peacefully at the Immanuel Lutheran Communities Skilled Nursing Care facility on Sunday, June 21, 2020.

Francis S. June was born on Aug. 24, 1943, in Kalispell to his parents Irene and Francis S. June Sr. As a child he attended Cornelius Hedges grade school and proudly graduated from Flathead County High School.

Francis was preceded in death by his parents Irene and Francis S. June Sr., and his sister Ruth June Borchert.

Francis delivered newspapers on three separate routes on the East Side of Kalispell for over 19 years. Lynnette Hintze of the Daily Inter Lake said that his customers could set their clocks to the punctuality of his deliveries. Francis was a frequent visitor to many Main Street banks, businesses, churches and social service agencies where many life-long friendships were formed. Francis held dear his relationships with anyone he met in his travels along the streets of Kalispell. Whether it be the customers he delivered papers to or bank presidents, the mayor of Kalispell, governors or Congressional representatives or homeless individuals, Francis greeted each person as if they were his longtime best friend and someone to share bits of information with that tickled Francis.

Francis was a special and gifted individual. His quick wit, friendly outgoing manner and bits of conversation, quick pace walk, and his memories of local history and architecture, buildings, cars — you name it — brought smiles to people’s faces. His savant ability to correctly recall dates, people and their family relationships, history and construction of buildings, as well as who lived in each and every house on the East side of Kalispell amazed everyone. Twenty years ago, Francis slipped on the ice and fell while delivering papers on his morning routes, breaking his arm and shoulder. He immediately went to Sen. Max Baucus’s office in the downtown area looking for help. After his surgery for a broken arm, with help from the United Way, he was able to stay at the Samaritan House while waiting for an opening at the Immanuel Lutheran Communities. Since that time Francis has wanted to give back to the charities that helped him. He began purchasing lottery tickets, one at a time, in the hopes that he would be able to win a million dollars that he would give to those who helped him when he was down.

Francis is survived by a sister, Jane McKnight of Arizona/Browning and community members who have lovingly cared and supported Francis throughout the last 20 years: Dr. Marise Johnson and staff, Ann Johnson, Immanuel Lutheran Communities staff and volunteers, Linda Shearer, Chris Krager and Samaritan House, Rebecca Manna, Matt Shearer, Vic Houser, Eagle Transit, Agency on Aging, the United Way, Frontier Hospice, Easthaven Baptist Church, First Presbyterian Church, United Methodist Church, friends at the Daily Inter Lake, Doug Houtz, Susan Gregory, Paulette Lawrence, Robbin Larson, and his dear friends Nikki and Ev Sliter. Francis would want anyone that has been omitted from this list and all his friends at local businesses to know how much he appreciated their care.

“Tell my customers that I miss them.”

In lieu of flowers please send donations toward Francis’ grave marker to the Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home, 525 S. Main St., Kalispell. Any funds above the costs of a marker will be donated to the Samaritan House, United Way, and the Immanuel Foundation.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, July 3, at 10 a.m. at the C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. No public reception is planned due to the virus restriction. Please bring your favorite memory of Francis to share.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral is caring for the family.