Francis died peacefully at his home in Powassan, on Thursday, September 10, 2020. He was in his 99th year. Francis was predeceased by his beloved wife Mary “Maggie” Magdalen (Bester) (1930-2019). He was the much-loved father of Wanda Aultman (Jim), Peter Straus (Karen), Rita Desbiens (Wayne), all of Nipissing Township, and Isabel Topps (Delwood) of Powassan; Proud grandfather of 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren and was predeceased by grandson Dwayne. Francis was the dear brother of Edward Straus of St. Jacob’s and Susan Duggan of Schomberg and was predeceased by his siblings Catherine Hummel, Elizabeth Keown, Phillip Straus, Isabel Wismer, Emmeline Roberts and infant Loretta Straus. He was the dear brother-in-law of Eugene Bester and the late Lawrence Bester, Helen Mathias, Doreen Aultman, Stella Grabowski, Rita Bester and Clarence Bester. The Straus family will receive visitors at the Paul Funeral Home, Powassan, on Tuesday, September 15, 2020 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Wednesday, September 16 at St. Joseph’s Church, Powassan. Interment will follow at St. John’s Alsace Cemetery. If desired, memorial donations to St. Joseph’s or St. John’s Church Building Funds are suggested. COVID-19 restrictions are in effect. Masks are required and two metres physical distancing must be maintained. For more information, to make a donation (cheques only please), to leave a message of support for the family, or to order flowers, please go to our website or call Paul Funeral Home, Powassan at (705) 724-2024.