Francis B. “Shorty” Vancil

Francis B. “Shorty” Vancil, age 67, passed away at home on Thursday, October 17, 2024, in Nekoosa, WI.
Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 25, 2024, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids. Pastor Tim Ritter will officiate. Burial will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Nekoosa. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service Friday at the church.
Francis was born in Beloit on July 3, 1957, to James and Dorothy (Franklin) Vancil.
He married Kathleen Kompoles, his always and forever, one last time on December 31, 2020, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids. His strong dedication was not only evident in his personal life but also in his professional life. He worked as a truck driver for over 30 years and was a supervisor at Piggly Wiggly until his retirement. Francis was renowned for his knack for finding the best deals at garage sales, estate sales, and flea markets. A man of many interests, he was a member of the Devil Angeles and the Castle Rock “Hogs”. He savored the thrill of fishing and hunting in his younger years, with a memorable expedition to Canada for bear hunting in the spring of 1987.
Shorty had a life full of laughter, love, and profound dedication. He was a man who embraced life’s joys and shared his unique sense of humor with those around him. Known for his playful spirit, Shorty was known for joking around with everyone and never missed an opportunity to ask for the winning lottery numbers.
He cherished camping with Kay around the state and their annual fall motorcycle ride in Tomahawk. He especially enjoyed family gatherings, particularly during Thanksgiving, when he would request his own ham and never passed on a dessert.
Francis is survived by his wife Kay; children: Bill (Vicki Ironside) Downs, Scott Downs, Sean Downs, Craig Heinrich, Heather (Josh Schindler) Vancil and Andrea; grandchildren: Dylan, Riley, and Tucker Downs, Timothy Gosh, Justice Terrab, and Kenneth Suziki; siblings: Floyd Vancil, Charles (Jackie) Vancil and Julie Kurz; honorary grandson Gage Brehm; special friends: Brian Shaurette (Tanya) and Tito; uncles: Wats Schoonover and Robert Garetsor; fur children Frankie, Lily and Jake.
He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Dorothy (Franklin) Vancil; brother Ralph Vancil and sister-in-law Barb Vancil and fur son Rocky.