Lowell J. Francis, age 88, of New Bremen, died on Sunday, February 26, 2017 at 8:48 P.M. at the Elmwood Assisted Living in New Bremen.

He was born on December 15, 1928 in Loramie Twp., Shelby County, near Russia, Ohio, the son of the late Frederick F. and Florence A. (Bonie) Francis. On July 1, 1961 he married Lucille M. Topp, at the St. Remy Church Rectory in Russia, Ohio, and she survives in New Bremen.

Also surviving is a sister Audrey Monnin of Russia, two sisters-in-laws; Kathy Topp of New Bremen, and Jane Topp of Ft. Meyers, FL, and a number of nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents, Lowell was preceded in death by his siblings; Herbert Francis, Paul Francis, Edna Treon, Ruth Monnin, Harold Francis, Kenneth Francis, Dolores Siegel, Joseph Francis, and Margie Schlecty; and a brother-in-law Stanley L. Topp.

Lowell was a 1946 graduate of Russia High School. He proudly served his country during the Korean War as a Corporal in the U.S. Army, Artillery division.

He had been an active member of the Church of the Holy Redeemer in New Bremen, and for many years, served as an usher at the church. He was a member of the American Legion Post 241 of New Bremen, the New Bremen Rod & Gun Club, the Knights of Columbus in Russia, Ohio, and the former Men's Garden Club of New Bremen.

He was a regular at Bolly's Restaurant where he enjoyed playing cards and greeting the people as they entered. For many years, he was a sexton at the German Protestant Cemetery of New Bremen.

He worked for 22 years at the former Seiberling Latex Products of New Bremen, and then for 21 years at Crown Equipment Corp. of New Bremen, until his retirement in 1991.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, March 2, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. at the Church of the Holy Redeemer in New Bremen, with the Rev. Father Robert Hadden and Deacon Mr. Greg Bornhorst officiating. Interment will follow in the German Protestant Cemetery of New Bremen.

Calling Hours will be held on Thursday, March 2, 2017, two hours prior to the Mass from 9:00 until 11:00 AM at the Church of the Holy Redeemer in New Bremen.

The family asks that Memorial Contributions be made to the Grand Lake Hospice.

Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home, New Bremen, is handling arrangements. Condolences to the Francis family can be left online at gilberghartwigfh.com.