Francis "Tigger" L. Beichner

Francis "Tigger" L. Beichner, 80, of Shippenville passed away Thursday, May 31, 2012 at Clarion Hospital after a brief battle with cancer.

Born on March 23, 1932 in Shippenville he was the son of Frank E. and Hattie Baughman Beichner.

On October 18, 1958 he was married to the former Esther Cohlhepp who survives.

Francis served in the US Army for 2 years and worked as a truck driver.

He was a member of St. Michael Church in Fryburg.

He worked at the Knox Glass plant until it closed.  He was elected as a Elk Township Supervisor and worked there until the time of his illness. 

Francis enjoyed farming, John Deere tractors and socializing with all of his friends at the local clubs. 

He was member of the Fryburg Sportsman's Club, Knox Rod and Gun and the American Legion in Knox. 

Francis is survived by his wife and their five children: Raymond Beichner of Shippenville; Brenda Kline and her husband Kenneth of Shippenville; Luann Dowlan and her husband Erik of Shippenville; Jason Beichner and companion Cindy Merryman of Shippenville; Amy Beichner and companion Mathews Hartzell of Shippenville.  Also surviving are grandchildren: Amber, Kayla, Zachary, Megan, Brandon, Jordan, Janelle, Jason, and Zoey.  

Also surviving are a sister Geraldine Deemer, brother-in-law William Mathews, a sister Margaret Fair, brother-in-law Thomas Kiehl, brother James and wife Ginny, brother Allen and his wife Dolores, brother Richard and his wife Meda, sister Rita Kiehl and her husband Dick and Judith McCleary and her husband Terry. 

He was preceded in death by two sons Rodney and Francis Jr.; a brother-in-law Fred Deemer, brother Leonard, sister Esther Mathews, brother-in-law Joe Fair, sister Elva Kiehl, and brother-in-law Raymond Cope.

Family and friends will be received from 2-4pm and 7-9pm on Saturday, June 2, 2012 at Faller Funeral Home, Inc. in Fryburg.  A parish vigil service will be held at 6:45pm on Saturday, June 2, 2012 at the funeral home.

Mass of a Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 4, 2012 at 2:00 pm in St. Michael Church in Fryburg with Rev. DG Davis III, pastor as celebrant.

Interment in the St. Michael Cemetery will follow the mass.

The family suggests that memorials be made to Clarion-Forest VNA Hospice in Francis's honor.

Condolences may be sent to family by visiting www.fallerfuneralhome.com        

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