March 28, 2024

L. Francis Mack

Corning

L. Francis Mack, 93, of Corning died Friday, Jan. 20, 2017, at his home in Corning.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Corning with the Rev. Lazarus Kirigia, Celebrant. Burial with military honors will be in Calvary Cemetery in Corning. Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24, with family present from 4 to 7 p.m. with a Christian wake service at 7:30 p.m. at Pearson Family Funeral Service and Cremation Center, 701 Seventh St., in Corning. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Frannie's name. Online condolences may be left at www.pearsonfuneralhomes.com.

Lewis Francis Mack, son of Lewis Bernard Mack and Anna Isabelle (Belle) Curry Mack, was born July 10, 1923. “Frannie” graduated from Corning High School in 1941 where he was active in sports, band and orchestra. He excelled with his trumpet and performed with family and friends in “The Owls,” a small orchestra that played for dances throughout Southwest Iowa.

On July 31, 1943, Frannie married Phyllis Jeanne Watts in Denver, Colorado. He served his country as an Army medic from 1943 to 1946, spending much of that time in the South Pacific. He played “Taps” for other veterans for 44 years.

Following WWII, he returned to Corning, joining his father and uncle in the hardware business, Curry and Mack, and later Mack Hardware and Appliance. He later worked at NFO, UARCO and St. Patrick’s Parish.

Frannie served his community as city councilman, municipal utilities trustee and Johnny Carson Birthplace Society Board member. He was active in Knights of Columbus, VFW and American Legion.

Frannie is survived by sons, Dan (Linda) of Carroll, Bruce (Lori) of Oregon City, Oregon, and Andy of Des Moines; grandchildren, Brent, Cori and Bryan (Samantha) Mack; great-granddaughter Savannah Mack; step-grandchildren, Kelsy (Travis) Hodge and Jessica (Rob) George; step-great-grandchildren, Ketchura and Asher Antoine and Elodie and Paloma Hodge; and brother-in-law John Lenz.

Lewis Francis Mack was preceded in death by his parents; wife Phyllis in 2006; daughter Helenann in infancy; brothers, Robert, Raphael and Joseph in infancy; sister Mary Margaret Lenz; sisters-in-law, Patricia Mack, Joan Mack and Virginia Watts; and brothers-in-law, Edwin Watts and Russell (Bud) Watts.