Obituary for Francis Headline

Francis G. “Fran” Headline, age 81 of Brooklyn Park, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 19th, at North Memorial Hospital.

Francis was the 9th of 14 children (11 sisters and 2 brothers) born to Francis C. and Freda (Gembler) Headline. Fran graduated from Fairbault High School in 1952. Wrestling was a part of his high school days which continued when he joined the Navy during the Korean War. He was on the Navy wrestling team for 2 seasons and served aboard the Dennis J. Buckley for the rest of his Navy years. He married Joan Simley on April 17, 1955 in Fairbault. He was employed by Northwestern Bell for 34 years. Softball was also a part of his life, by coaching and playing. He continued until his late 70s. He was inducted into the Minnesota USSSA Hall of Fame.

Survived by wife of 61 years, Joan; children, Susan (Craig) Thorp, Danny (Mary) Headline, and Francis C. (Jodie) Headline; son-in-law, Scott Cusey; siblings, Irene Eiler, Lois Headline, Darlene (Ted) Larish, Patricia Larish, Linda (David) Huss; sister-in-law, Joan Headline; brothers-in-law, Vic Kummer and David Brown; 10 grandchildren, Jay (Katherine) Thorp, Russell (Arynn)Thorp, Max Headline, Becca Headline, Stephanie McCoy, Jessica McCoy, Francis E. Headline, C.J. Cusey, Emylee Headline (James), and Mara Headline (Ross); 4 great-grandchildren, Rori, Calvin, and Crosby Thorp and Harper Baldwin; Simley in-laws; and many nieces and nephews and special friends. Family meant everything to him. He was known as the “Candy Man” and “Old Man Fran”.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred.