Michael Francis
August 28, 1950 - May 11, 2025
Obituary
Michael John Francis passed away on May 11, 2025. Mike was a husband, father, and grandfather. He was also a veteran of the United States Air Force and the Vietnam War, and an immigrant to this country. He is deeply missed. The cause of his death was leukemia, complicated by Alzheimer’s Disease. He was 74.
Mike was born in Reading, England in 1950. He was the third child of John (Jack) and Catherine (Kate) Francis. Mike’s parents were Londoners who lived through the Blitz and moved to Reading to raise their family after the end of the war. Mike attended Reading School (one of the oldest schools in England, founded in the year 1125) on scholarship, and excelled at languages and history. He did not excel at music and was informed at a young age that he was tone deaf, but that never stopped him from singing, primarily when the opportunity arose later in life to embarrass his children.
Mike’s family immigrated to the United States in 1967, partially due to economic hardship following the death of his father. Although he was not yet a United States citizen, Mike enlisted in the Air Force after graduating from high school. He served in administrative positions for three years at McChord Air Force Base in Washington, and for one year at Da Nang Air Base in Vietnam. Mike became a naturalized citizen of the United States during his service.
After returning from Vietnam, Mike received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado, Denver, where he met his future wife, Shirley. Mike and Shirley then moved to Oregon, where they both earned their law degrees while working. They had three children. Mike loved being a father and was extremely proud of his children.
Mike worked as a litigator in private practice for many years, focusing primarily on environmental and insurance law. For the last decade of his career, he served as a clerk in the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon. He was particularly proud of his longtime work in support of Judge James Redden’s oversight of complex litigation regarding compliance with the Endangered Species Act with respect to salmon in the Columbia River Basin. After retiring, Mike and Shirley moved to Madison, Wisconsin to live near their first grandchild.
Mike loved his adopted country, but maintained a lifelong appreciation of cricket, the Reading Football Club, and beans on toast. He gave up tea after moving to the United States, finding American tea bags unacceptable. He had a wonderful sense of humor.
Mike felt strongly that all people should have access to a decent quality of living. He believed that everyone in a position of privilege - especially privilege that derives from inheritance - has a moral and civic obligation to care for the vulnerable. He saw politics, and engagement in the democratic process, as an expression of moral values and a reflection of character. He was humble and kind.
Mike is survived by his wife of 48 years, his three children Maggie (Mike), Gregory (Julie), and Gail (Eli), his three grandchildren Susanna, Simon, and Ian, and his brother Stephen. His fourth grandchild is expected in August. He is also survived by his beloved dog, Carly. Mike was predeceased by his mother, father, brother Roger, sister Mandy, and dogs Ivan, Dutchess, Sydney, and Annie.
Mike’s family sincerely appreciates the care Mike received at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans’ Hospital in Madison during his final illness. All people, and in particular all veterans, should be treated with such care and dignity.
To view this obituary and leave a message, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.
Ryan Funeral Home Legacy Center
6328 Mader Dr
608-274-1000
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Memories
RC
Robert Crowe
Friend •
I knew Michael all his life. My family lived next door to the Francis family in Stuart Close, Emmer Green, Reading, UK. Michael was born at home and my mother helped with his birth. He was my mother’s favourite of all the children who lived in the Close - he could do no wrong in her eyes. I have many happy memories of our early life in Emmer Green. I remember the street games we played, especially football (soccer) and cricket. For cricket, we used the lamppost in the Close as our wicket. During one of our games the front window of Michael’s house was broken by the cricket ball. Thankfully, I was not the culprit who hit the ball and will not divulge the name of the guilty person! We used to go on long hikes around the surrounding countryside and would not come home until we were hungry for our tea. Michael passed the 11 plus examination and went to Reading School, one of the top schools in the country. We were so proud of his achievement. Michael and his family emigrated to the United States in 1967, initially settling in Springfield, Massachusetts. My wife and I were fortunate enough to visit Michael and his family in Madison a couple of times, together with his brother Stephen and his wife Bea. We spent a lot of the time reminiscing about our life in Emmer Green. Michael was a good friend, and a really nice, humble and thoroughly decent person who will be greatly missed.
RC
Robert Crowe
Friend •
I knew Michael all his life. My family lived next door to the Francis family in Stuart Close, Emmer Green, Reading, UK. Michael was born at home and my mother helped with his birth. He was my mother’s favourite of all the children who lived in the Close - he could do no wrong in her eyes. I have many happy memories of our early life in Emmer Green. I remember the street games we played, especially football (soccer) and cricket. For cricket, we used the lamppost in the Close as our wicket. During one of our games the front window of Michael’s house was broken by the cricket ball. Thankfully, I was not the culprit who hit the ball and will not divulge the name of the guilty person! We used to go on long hikes around the surrounding countryside and would not come home until we were hungry for our tea. Michael passed the 11 plus examination and went to Reading School, one of the top schools in the country. We were so proud of his achievement. Michael and his family emigrated to the United States in 1967, initially settling in Springfield, Massachusetts. My wife and I were fortunate enough to visit Michael and his family in Madison a couple of times, together with his brother Stephen and his wife Bea. We spent a lot of the time reminiscing about our life in Emmer Green. Michael was a good friend, and a really nice, humble and thoroughly decent person who will be greatly missed.
SF
Stephen Francis
Family •
As Michaels younger brother he was larger than life in many ways. There are too many memories to recount. For probably 5 years I was the annoying younger brother. We also experienced some quite difficult times in the 1960s. I followed in his footsteps in joining the Air Force although I went in as a navigator flying on air refueling and spy planes, something that worried him quite a bit. We lived coasts and indeed oceans apart for most of our adult lives. It was wonderful when I was able to visit Michael and his family in Madison in 2019. I surprised Michael by inviting his best friend from England to travel to Madison to visit everyone. It was a wonderful visit. The last couple of years was difficult. He is missed but he is at peace.
JS
judy and Harvey sokolow
Family •
We did not have the privilege of knowing Mike, but this obituary is a wonderful testament to his character. We need more like him in this world. Neighbors; Judy and Harvey Sokolow
SP
Steven Parker
Friend •
Michael Francis was one of the kindest persons I have ever known. He freely shared his experience, strength, and hope in a humble way. I'm honored to have known him.