Mass of Christian Burial for Francis E. Hulm, age 78, of Lemmon, SD, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 2, 2015 at the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Lemmon, SD. Fr. Tony Grossenburg and Deacon Bill Dustman will officiate with burial in the Gallaway Cemetery at Meadow, SD.

Francis "Franny" Hulm, of Lemmon, SD, left this world to celebrate Jesus' birthday on December 25, 2014 with his Democratic National Committee Card and his two daughters at his side.

Franny was born on May 10, 1936, in the old "soddy" house on the family homestead in Meadow, SD. He was the baby of 10 children born to Joseph J. and Anna K. (Lemer) Hulm. His school years were spent at Meadow Central, St. Mary's and Lemmon High School, graduating in 1955. He attended 1 year of Forestry School at the University of Montana in Missoula before returning to Lemmon. After working at the Co-op Grocery Store for a couple years, he accepted a job offer from Frank Butler and started his 52 year career with Farmers Union Insurance. Franny also worked part-time and served on the Credit Committee at the Lemmon Federal Credit Union until 1975.

Franny married Donna "Punky" Stugelmeyer in Lemmon, SD, on November 7, 1964. Three children were delivered to this marriage, all with return labels. Thankfully, none of which were ever used. Thanks Dad!

A lifelong Yankee, Packer and Notre Dame fan, Franny's first love was the "diamond" – having played American Legion Baseball during his high school years and slow-pitch softball well into his 50's. Franny was an accomplished softball pitcher, and the "Cinderella" Dave's Video Championship team of 1985, with three father-son combos, was the highlight of his career. Franny was also an avid fisherman and hunter and longtime supporter of Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever.

Later in life, his 4-acres (trees, trees, trees…) near Flat Creek became his passion. He spent many days there cultivating his shelterbelt and just hangin' with Chico on the expansive deck of his massive Diamond 7 Lodge. Hopefully, soon to be updated with an outhouse!

Franny was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Lemmon. A very generous and considerate man, he never hesitated to help someone in need while never looking for praise or recognition.

Francis is survived by one son, Shane (Trixie) Hulm, Lemmon, SD; two daughters, Dawn (Scott) Kelly, Sturgis, SD and Carrie (Brad) Derschan, Lemmon, SD; longtime spouse, Punky Hulm; six grandchildren, Abbie and Zach Hulm, Kuger and Klae Kelly, Britnai (Derek) Schoon and Adam Derschan; one great-granddaughter, Emma Schoon; one brother, Roy (Beth) Hulm, Bison, SD; two sisters, Veronica Barone, New Town, ND and Betty Rhoads, West Pasco, WA; sister-in-law, Betty Hulm, Hooker, OK; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Pius, George, Joe and Leo; and two sisters, Alice Wocal and Angeline Hinson.

Visitation will be from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m., followed by a Rosary/Vigil service at 7:00 p.m. all on Thursday, January 1, 2015 at the Evanson Jensen Funeral Home in Lemmon.

A memorial has been established.