As per the Bishop of the Bismarck Diocese due to COVID-19:  All funerals are to be private not public, that is to say, for the immediate family ONLY and for the priest or deacon who is the celebrant.  The rite of Christian Funerals within or outside of mass may be used.  There is to be NO wake/vigil observed the day before of day of the funeral.  No luncheon or dinner is permitted in the church hall after the funeral.

Francis J. Nolz, 89, of Linton, ND took his last breath on earth March 12, 2020, he was born February 5, 1931. A private family Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, March 20, 2020 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Linton. Burial will be held at a later date at St. Mary's Cemetery, Hague, ND.

Francis always said that he was the middle of the pack, #6 of 11 children. His parents were Andrew and Anna (Feist) Nolz. He spent his childhood on the family farm. This is where he learned the value of hard work. Francis was a simple, hardworking man. If you knew Francis, you knew that he would go the extra mile for you, putting his needs on the back burner. He enjoyed raising Herford cattle, he was proud of his dairy herd, and he spent many days fishing. A good pinochle game around the kitchen table was an activity always enjoyed. Every chance he had, he would want an update on his grandchildren.

June 21, 1960 he married Anna Zahn in Hague. They farmed north of Hague for many years. He made a living as a dairy farmer, a small grain farmer and was known as the areas, "Go to farmer if the neighbor's livestock needed emergency care." Francis and Anna are the parents of five children. Sheila (Gordon) Herman, Steve of Bismarck; Sherlene, Mandan. Grandchildren: Brandon Nolz and Jacob Herman, Bismarck; Ariana Herman and fiance' Travis Pearson, Moorhead, MN. Francis is proceeded in death by sons Sheldon and Sherwin and granddaughter Myia Herman.

During the final weeks of life, Francis said, "My life was good, there were tough times, good times, times to remember and times you want to forget." He stated that the past few years with health issues he had to put his pride aside and rely on neighbors and even strangers for a helping hand. These folks impacted him in ways they will never know. He said, "Always be that good neighbor"!

Francis leaves behind siblings: Pius, Andy and Helen, many nieces and nephews. Dear neighbors and friends that helped him remain independent for all these years.

The last week of life when he was asked, what should we pray for, he said, "Hope, Healing or Heaven". God answered the prayer and now he is home with his parents, his in-laws and siblings: Eugene, Martin, Joe, Leo, Aloysius, Annie, and Rose Marie.