Francis Herbert DeShaw, 76, of Elkader, died Wednesday, July 29, 2009, at the Elkader Care Center in Elkader following a long illness. He was born July 2, 1933, near Hopkinton, rural Delaware County, to Duane and Carrie (Bessler) DeShaw. Francis graduated from Buck Creek High School, Hopkinton, in 1952.

Francis was united in marriage to Donna Rae Hilbert in 1955, at St. Luke's Catholic Church in Hopkinton. They resided in the Hopkinton area until 1966, when they moved to Elkader where they farmed and raised dairy and beef herds. He also sold seed corn and minerals. He was a longtime member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Elkader. Francis enjoyed being with his family and friends; and especially spoiling his grandchildren. Playing cards, reading, dancing and vacationing were also some of his favorites. He will be remembered as a man with a great personality who took pleasure in joking around.

Survivors include his wife Donna of Elkader; children Dennis (Linda) DeShaw of Pochontas, AR, Linda (Chris) Widmar of Centerville, Ron (Kandi) DeShaw of Elkader, Tim (Sharolyn) DeShaw of Independence, MO; daughter-in-law, Donna DeShaw of Elkader; step-mother Virginia "Jen" DeShaw of Strawberry Point; eighteen grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and two more on the way; his siblings, Duane Jr.(Luella) DeShaw of Hopkinton, Betty McIntosh of Manchester, Robert (Bernadine) of Hopkinton, Ella Mae (Bill) Wernimont of Hopkinton, Steve (Lyda) DeShaw of Amber, Lee (Gale) DeShaw of Hopkinton, Gary (Deb) DeShaw of Elkader, Sharon Meyer of Maryville, MO, Larry (Connie) DeShaw of Strawberry Point, Juanita Lake of Sun City, AZ, Diane (Dale) Potter of Strawberry Point, Earl (Joanne) DeShaw of Arlington; numerous nieces and nephews and many friends.

Francis was preceded in death by his parents; sons, David DeShaw, Edward DeShaw; grandson, Brandon Widmar; brother, Roger DeShaw; sister, Jacqueline DeShaw and brothers-in-law, Roger McIntosh and Paul Lake.