Francis Cecil Blake was born September 18, 1933, to Clyde and Margaret (Story) Blake. He was raised in the Flandreau area. He met the love of his life, Shirley Daggitt, in Sioux Falls and they were married in Luverne, MN, on May 12, 1956. From this union, three sons were born: Steve and two boys who were lost at child birth. He had many professions but carpentry was his greatest accomplishment. His spare time passions were fishing, hunting, camping, and spending time with family and friends.

Francis, 84, Sturgis, passed away Thursday, September 21, 2017, at Sturgis Regional Senior Care.

He is survived by one son, Steve (Valoree) of Sturgis; two grandchildren, Jaime (Jeremiah) McKnight and Josh (Ronelle) Blake; seven great-grandchildren, Damian, Keenan, McKenzie, Dominic, Davin, Jonah and Haadyn all of Rapid City; two sisters, Doris (Russell) Wenzel and Lois (Lowell) Blumke, of Minnesota; brother, Darrel (Madlyn) Blake, of Georgia; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Francis was preceded in death by his parents; his spouse, Shirley; and two sons.

Memorial services will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 27, 2017, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis with Reverend Denzel Nonhof officiating. Inurnment will be at Bear Butte Cemetery.

A memorial has been established.