Francis Allen Kaitfors was born September 19, 1940, in Sioux Falls, SD to Albert and Lorraine (Francis) Kaitfors. This was while Bert was working at Morrels Packing Plant butchering hogs. In 1942 they moved back to Lorraine's family farm at Ralph, SD. Francis went to the Olson Country School then attended Clark Country School where he graduated 8th grade in 1955. Francis attended high school in Hettinger, ND. He participated in Baseball, basketball, track and football. He was in the National Honors Society, FFA and sang in the choir. In his free time, he set pins at the bowling alley.

Francis went south custom harvesting for several years. He met Bonnie Sieler at a Labor Day dance in Buffalo, SD and they were married on December 14,1963 after a 3-month whirlwind courtship. They had two children, Alan and Adrienne. He served in the armed forces for 3 years where he was stationed for a time in Germany. After returning he began working for Willard Korsmo. He later moved the family to North Dakota where he worked for several farms and dairies. He returned to the family farm in 1983.

He met Dawn Heier at a dance in Scranton, ND and soon moved to Gillette, WY. This is where he began his career in hospital maintenance, which was one of his many passions as he loved working the night shift. They later moved to New Mexico where he lived for many years doing hospital maintenance. He retired from Presbyterian Hospital and moved back to the ranch in 2009 where he helped Alan get the ranch going.

Francis loved to get together with friends to play guitar, accordion and sing. He loved to dance, play pool and ping-pong. He loved the outdoors and liked to hike, climb, fish and have picnics.

Francis is survived by his long time companion Carol Reiners of Hettinger, ND

Son Alan Kaitfors (Pam) of Prairie City, SD Granddaughters Breanna Kaitfors, Brandi Kaitfors, Elisa Kaitfors. Great-granddaughters Elinor Nichols, Josephine Nichols.

Daughter Adrienne Johnson (Phil) of Elko New Market, MN Grandchildren Lilli Ann, Victoria, Isabella, Titus

Francis is preceded in death by his parents Albert Kaitfors, Lorraine (Francis) Kaitfors, numerous Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.