Francis J. McCarville

Francis J. McCarville, age 93, of Cambridge, NE, passed away on Saturday, August 15, 2020, at Skyview Care and Rehab in Bridgeport, NE.

Francis was born November 7, 1926, in Martin, SD, to parents George James and Dorothy Florence (Funk) McCarville.  He was one of twelve children born to this union.

Francis attended school in Bradleyville, MO, graduating in 1944.  Following high school Francis enlisted in the United States Army.  He proudly served his country in the 63rd Anti Aircraft Artillery Gun Battalion during World War II where he received the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal.  Francis was Honorably Discharged in 1946.

In 1954, Francis married Marilyn Wendseck in Nevada.  To this union one son, Don, was born.  On August 4, 1990, Francis married Helen Proft in McCook, NE.  The family grew to include stepchildren Marc, Lea Ann and Lana.  Francis and Helen made their home in both McCook and Cambridge.  Francis was employed by the City of McCook where he was responsible for cemetery maintenance. He also worked for the Nebraska Game and Parks, taking care of ground maintenance at Medicine Creek Reservoir.

Francis enjoyed hunting and fishing. He rarely missed an opportunity to attend his grandchildren’s ballgames and events. Francis trained horses, owning many himself over the years.  He loved the solitude of the Medicine Creek Reservoir and spent relaxing days at his cabin that overlooked the lake with his beloved dog.

Francis was a member of the McCook Eagles Club as well as a member of the Catholic faith.

Francis was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Helen McCarville in 2002; and his siblings, Rita (in infancy), Catherine Brock, Veronica Tramell, Hugh (in infancy), Larry, Gene, Leo, Dennis and Harold McCarville.

Those left to celebrate his life include his son, Don (Tami) McCarville of Alliance, NE; stepchildren, Marc (Bambe) Currie of Kearney, NE, Lea Ann (Elza) Doak of McCook, and Lana (Randy) Richter of Hayes Center, NE; brother, Howard McCarville of Harrison, AR; sister, Margaret McCarville of Canton, OH; sisters in law, Bonnie McCarville, Phyllis McCarville, Elvea McCarville and Lori McCarville; nine grandchildren, Summer Gonzalez, Amelia (Benny) Propp, Marcie Daok, Sara Richards, Evan Richter, Blaine Richter, Tyler (Moriah) Currie, Lerrin (Noah) Rowe and Cameron Currie; as well as thirteen great grandchildren and a host of extended family members and lifelong friends.