Gregory Francis Obituary

Gregory “Greg” John Francis, 67, of Urbandale, passed away April 29, 2025. He was born October 4, 1957, in Moline, IL, the son of Dwight Francis and Sandra Weekley Frakes.

Greg grew up in Orion, Illinois, and while he was shy as a child, he became more extroverted as he grew older, eventually becoming someone who could charm a stranger as well as he could his friends and family. He graduated high school as an Orion Charger with the Bicentennial Class of 1976. He then attended college, earning a degree in Criminal Justice from St. Ambrose University.

In high school, he was an entrepreneur, mowing lawns for a few years and then working at various other jobs. After graduating college, he found meaningful work as a jailer and probation officer for Rock Island County. He eventually changed careers and joined John Deere Credit (later renamed John Deere Financial) as a field representative in Northeastern Wisconsin. He spent several years in this role before shifting into the office where he held several positions throughout the company. His last position was as a Field Closeout Specialist, where he coordinated the closure of dealerships all over the US.

Greg was in a serious motorcycle accident in 2012. Medical professionals saved his life on-site and throughout his lengthy hospital stay that followed. Although he continued to endure medical hardships as a result of his accident, he lived every day after as if he were on borrowed time and always felt as though God had more use for him on earth. He leaned into his faith, becoming actively involved in worship at Lutheran Church of Hope.

While Greg enjoyed his various career paths, his greatest joy was found in relationships and the wonder of people. He found purpose and passion within his church community, especially the men’s group. He always struck up conversations with strangers, no matter the circumstances or timing. He adorned himself with the title of Moon Man after creating a habit of uploading to Facebook every picture he would take of a full moon; it was never about the moon, but about engaging with his friends online, with whom he delighted in connecting with from all over the world. Greg also titled himself the family favorite, coordinating annual “Thanks-Greg-ing” family celebrations in lieu of Thanksgiving for several years; though he was entertained by the lighthearted joking, he relished even more the time he could spend with his loved ones.

Greg was married to Dawn Green, a relationship that blessed them with their daughter, Danielle, and he was later married to Melissa Wilson.

Greg is survived by his daughter, Danielle (David) Greiner of Bussey, IA, and his precious grandchildren, Olin and River; father, Dwight (Connie) Francis; brother, Jeff (Robyn) Francis; brother, Todd Francis; best friend and brotherly figure, John (Kim) Hiatt; step-brother, Mark (Carolyn) Frakes; step-sister, Liz (Thomas) Wheeler; and many nieces and nephews.

Greg is reunited in Heaven with his mother, Sandra Frakes; grandmother, Marilyn Harter; beloved stepfather, Don Frakes; and Aunt, Michele Christenson. Also greeting him at the gates of Heaven is his dearly departed dog, Reba.

Visitation will be held 10:00 - 11:00 AM on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at Lutheran Church of Hope, West Des Moines, with a Celebration of Life service to follow at 11:00 AM. A luncheon will be served after the service at the church. The service will be livestreamed and can be viewed at https://wdm.lutheranchurchofhope.org/funeral-livestream/ or you can go to his obituary at www.ilesFuneralHomes.com

Per Greg’s wishes, he will be cremated and scattered in a favorite place he cherished.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Lutheran Church of Hope Building for Tomorrow fund so that the love of Jesus can be shared with the community and the world.

Online Condolences may be expressed at www.ilesFuneralHomes.com

Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel

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