Francis Belcourt

Francis J. Belcourt, 87, of Ashby, Minnesota, passed away on March 29, 2017 in Sun City, Arizona. General visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. April 5, 2017 at Menke Funeral Home, 12420 N. 103rd Ave., Sun City, Arizona, to be followed by a special service at 10:00 a.m. honoring his life and accomplishments. Pastor Howard Gwartney of Christ’s Free Will Baptist Church, San Tan Valley will be officiating. Burial will follow at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix, Arizona. Frank was born in Westhope, North Dakota to Oscar and Geneva Belcourt on May 3, 1929. He grew up in Ashby, Minnesota, and graduated from Ashby High School in 1947. Immediately after his high school graduation he enlisted in the Air Force where he was a veteran of the Korean War, served in the Army Air-Corps, and was promoted to the rank of Tech Sergeant. During his time in the military he met and married Emmaline Leslie on April 7, 1951 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. After his military service he attended Baylor University, graduating in 1962 with a degree in both Physics and Mathematics. He then worked as a Lead Engineer and Staff Scientist for Honeywell for 25 years, retiring in 1989 to his lake home on Long Lake, Minnesota. Eventually he moved to Sun City where he lived his remaining years. Frank was strongly committed to providing for his family and was very successful with this commitment despite meager beginnings. He put a high priority on doing what was best for them, and his life lived that out. His laugh and insightful wisdom will be truly missed. Frank is preceded in death by sisters Norma Hoff, Margaret Johnson and grandson, Luke Belcourt. He is survived by his wife, Emmaline Belcourt, children Deb (Gerald) Belgaard, Craig (Laura) Belcourt, Dale (Sandra) Belcourt, Gail (Tom) Harmeling; and 13 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.