Francis Cohrs, age 89, of Marshall and formerly of Westbrook, Minnesota, died on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at Good Samaritan Society in Westbrook, Minnesota. Memorial Services are 3:00 p.m. Sunday, November 12, 2023, at Living Word Lutheran Church in Marshall. A reception will follow the Military Honors at the church on Sunday. Visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Saturday, November 11, 2023, at Living Word Lutheran Church in Marshall. The evening will conclude with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will then continue one hour prior to his celebration, from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m., on Sunday at the church. Interment be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 13, 2023, in the Westbrook Cemetery, Westbrook, Minnesota. Arrangements are with the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall.
Francis Kay Cohrs was born on November 29, 1933, in Slayton, Minnesota. He was the son of Clarence and Ruth (Norstegard) Cohrs. Francis was baptized as an infant and later confirmed on March 21, 1948, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Dovray, Minnesota. He attended public school, graduating in 1951, and then farmed with his father until he joined the United States Marine Corps in 1953. Francis served his country honorably for 18 months while stationed in Japan and upon his discharge, he returned home to work construction for a year. Francis became a bit of a businessman as he built a service station in Westbrook which he owned and managed until 1965. He then began selling life insurance and also bought school buses in Westbrook where he owned and operated a local service, proud to drive for over 50 years. Francis sold DeKalb seed corn until 1975 when he bought the Ready Oil Company and owned and operated it along with the Amoco service station for many years in Westbrook. On July 6, 1957, Francis was united in marriage to Beverly Schweim in Westbrook. The couple made their home there for 58 years and raised five children. They moved to Marshall in 2016 and most recently resided at Boulder Estates for the past year. They shared over 66 years of marriage together. Francis was a faithful member of Living Word Lutheran Church where he was active in the Young at Heart group and several Bible studies. He was a longtime member of the Westbrook VFW and American Legion. Throughout the years, Francis was able to participate in 3 mission trips to Mexico. Francis’ other enjoyments in life included hunting, fishing, golfing, traveling, woodworking, making sure his shop was in order, and caring for his dogs.
Francis Cohrs died on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, in Westbrook, Minnesota. He had reached the age of 89 years, 11 months, and 9 days. Blessed be his memory.
He is survived by his loving wife, Beverly Cohrs of Marshall; 5 children, Sheryl (and Gordon) Kopperud of Westbrook, Percy (and Konnie) Cohrs of Cocoa Beach, FL, Thomas Cohrs of Minneapolis, Alison (and Jim) Marshall of Marshall, Sarah (and Mark) Smith of Ham Lake; 11 grandchildren, Andrew (and Krista), Matthew (and Dawn), Joanna (and Lynn), Rebekah (and Joe), Emily (and Justin), Brittany (and Danny), Isaac, Sam, Julia (and Brady), Kate (and Cade), Roman; 18 great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. Francis was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Ruth Cohrs; sister, Elaine (and Nick) Swart; brother, Donald (and Doris) Cohrs; and other close family members.
