Francis Keith Gould

Francis Keith Gould, passed away Friday, October 23, 2015 at Sister James Care Center in Yankton, South Dakota having reached the age of 86 years old. He was born in Platte, South Dakota on June 13, 1929 to Harry J. and Marie C. (Romereim) Gould.

Memorial Services for Francis will be held Friday, October 30, 2015 at 7 p.m. at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Chapel in Yankton, South Dakota. Visitation with the family present will be held an hour before the service. Inurnment will be held at a later date. Services will be conducted by Rev. Rick Pittenger Jr.

Francis grew up in Geddes, South Dakota graduating from Geddes High School in 1947. For the first few years after high school, he and his brother Floyd owned and operated the service station in Geddes. In 1950 Francis joined the Army in September after the Korean War had begun. He served two years in Korea where he earned the Korean Service Medal and two bronze stars.

When he returned home from service he met his future wife Mavis Thompson. They were married on March 8, 1953. To this union two children, Daniel Lee (1954) and Jo Ann (1961) were born.

From 1953 until 1970 the family lived in Auburn, Nebraska at which time they moved to Chamberlain, South Dakota. Francis worked for the United States Army Corp of Engineer's Big Bend Project as an operating engineer until he retired in 1994.

Following his retirement Francis and Mavis moved to Yankton, South Dakota where they lived until his death.

Francis was an avid organic gardener for more than 40 years.

He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and children.

He is survived by his wife Mavis, daughter Jo Ann Lambertz, grandchildren, Jessica Lucas, Noah Gould, Adam Gould, Sara Lindholm, Eric Gould, Ariel Gould, Christine Lambertz, Hannah Lambertz and five great-grandchildren.

Francis was preceded in death by his son Daniel, his parents Harry and Marie, his son-in-law Charles (Chuck) Lambertz, his brothers Floyd Gould, Edwin (Bud) Gould and his sister Hazel Kortan.

Services are being handled by the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home and Crematory in Yankton, South Dakota.