Lacina, Francis J.

Francis J. Lacina, 80, of rural West Branch, died Monday, Jan. 7, 2013, surrounded by his family under the care of Mercy's Hospice. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 11, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Iowa City with the Very Rev. Rudolph Juarez officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery where military honors will be performed. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City, where a parish vigil service will be held at 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in his memory.

Online condolences may be sent for his family through the web at .

Francis Jacob Lacina was born Jan. 1, 1933, Johnson County's New Year Baby! He was the son of George and Lavina (Winkel) Lacina. He attended St. Patrick's School, graduating with the class of 1951. He enlisted with the Army during the Korean conflict, serving his country before returning home. On Feb. 8, 1956, he married Rita Jean Lorack at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. The couple soon found their farm where they have lived in the same house for over 55 years, raising their family, farming the land, “living the good life.” Francis not only loved to farm, but he loved his family and it showed in so many ways. He was always there for his kids growing up in all their activities, this carried on as his grandchildren came along in all their activities and even now with the great grandchildren, he loved being “Grandpa.” He was the “Dad” to so many young kids in the West Branch Schools, driving, chaperoning, just being available to help whenever need be. The fact that he never met a stranger made it easy for everyone to love this guy, and remember him as a gentle man and friend. His family remembers their many family outings, camping, fishing, taking so many trips as a family. He was always the first to say yes to the grandkids coming over and smiling as they didn't want to leave! Francis knew all of this was a God given gift, which he believed and lived his strong faith daily. As a lifetime member of St. Patrick's Church he served as the Parish Council president, the Bishop Lay Council and numerous other church committees and functions over the years. He was also a member of the West Branch American Legion and Johnson County ASCS member.

His family includes his wife, Rita; two children and their spouses, Tom and Rhonda Lacina of Riverside and Elaine and Matt Pacha of Iowa City; his six grandchildren, Ben (Amanda) Lacina, Diana (Joe) Bandow, Stephen (Amanda) Pacha, Will (Kat) Lacina, Jeff Pacha and Daniel Pacha; five great-grandchildren, Madilynn, Caleigh and Evelyn Lacina, Jackson Bandow and Ava Lacina; brothers, Don Lacina of Iowa City and Steve (Julie) Lacina of Iowa City; sisters-in-law, Lori Lacina of Iowa City and Bonnie Lacina of Solon; and of course his faithful companion, granddog, Ozzie.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Diane Lacina; brothers, Duane Lacina and Raymond Lacina; and his sister-in-law, Marilyn Lacina.

Published in The Gazette Jan. 9, 2013.