Nelson LeFrancois, 97, of Lakewood, passed peacefully at home surrounded by his wife of 66 years, Cacilia, and children Gilford (Lisa), Michael (Ronda), Sharon (Jim), Michelle (Thomas).

Nelson was born in Siegas, New Brunswick, Canada and was baptized the following day. He was the sixth of eleven children of Joseph and Lena LeFrancois. He spent his early years picking potatoes with the family in Canada and then the family relocated to Limestone Maine in 1935. After leaving home he traveled throughout the United States often by hitchhiking and riding the rails.

His carefree travel days came to an abrupt end when he was drafted in 1950 at the age of 22. After surviving his assignment in Korea, he went on to make a career of the Army. In 1957 he was stationed in Germany where he met his future wife Cacilia and they were married in 1959. After 26 years of military service and a rank of Master Sergeant (E-8), they decided to retire in Lakewood Washington. In their retirement they enjoyed family, traveling and their daily walks in Steilacoom Park.

As the extended family continued to grow, Nelson was especially fond of the family get togethers. Nelson and Cacilia had eight grandchildren (Joshua, Sarah, Jacob, Caroline, Alexander, Rachael, Matthew, Abigail) and two great-granddaughters (Melanie and Brooklyn). He had a huge smile as he recently learned that a third great-grandchild was on the way (Paul).