Francis M. Kassel age 91 of Tracy, formerly of Walnut Grove, passed away Thursday, December 26, 2013 at his home.  Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 31 at the Methodist Church in Walnut Grove.  Visitation is 5:00-7:00 p.m. Monday at the Walnut Grove Funeral Home and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday.  Burial is in the Walnut Grove Cemetery.  Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com.  Stephens Funeral Service – Walnut Grove Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Francis M. Kassel was born in Holly Township, Minnesota on March 8, 1922 to Fred and Ilo (Moore) Kassel.  He graduated from Walnut Grove High School in 1942.  Francis worked on the family farm until he was drafted into the Navy in October 1944.  He was united in marriage to Ludema Hollingsworth on December 24, 1944 while home on leave.  Francis and Ludema had three sons.  In addition to farming, Francis was a member of the Walnut Grove Creamery, a Holly Township Supervisor, and a director on the Tri-County Cooperative.  He was a member of the Walnut Grove United Methodist Church.  Francis remained on the family farm until 1991 when he retired and moved to Tracy.  He was a member of the Tracy Lions Club.  Francis enjoyed fishing, hunting, making homemade ice cream, and playing the harmonica and concertina.

Francis is survived by his wife Ludema; sons Loren (Gloria) of Dawson, Gary (Cathy) of Walnut Grove, and Scott (Geralyn) of Waseca; grandchildren: Erin (Jason) Matthies, Amy (Craig) Nelson, Jordan Kassel, and Mitchell Kassel (fiancée Cassie Seifert); and great grandchildren: Sydney and Chase Nelson, and Malea and Kade Matthies.  He is preceded in death by his brother Dale Kassel and sisters Erma Hatch, Melba Carlson, and Beverly Hubbard.