Francis J. Seiwert, 86, longtime resident of Fredonia, died Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2010 at Fredonia Regional Hospital. He was born March 14, 1924 in St. Marks, the son of Edward and Mary Betzen Seiwert.

On May 1, 1946 in Colwich, he was joined in marriage to Catherine Mannebach. On May 2, 1946, the Seiwerts moved to the family farm, north of Fredonia. Francis was a lifelong farmer and was employed by General Portland Cement Company, retiring in 1985. His wife survives, of the home.

Francis was a member of the Sacred Heart Church.

Also surviving are three daughters, Judy Puckett, Fredonia, Joyce Garner, Fredonia, JoAnn Jones, Fredonia; one son, John Seiwert, Fredonia; two sisters, Margaret Gegen, Wichita, Regina Klausmeyer, Wichita; two brothers, Clem Seiwert, Goddard, Leo Seiwert, Winfield; 15 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

A rosary will be said at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 29 at the Sacred Heart Church with funeral Mass to follow at 2 p.m. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Fredonia. The family will receive friends on 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Timmons Funeral Home. Memorials have been established in Francis’ name with the Fredonia Flag Fund, the Sacred Heart Church and the Meals on Wheels Program, and contributions can be sent to Timmons Funeral Home, PO Box 168, Fredonia, KS, 66736. Words of condolence for the family may be sent to www.timmonsfuneralhome.com.