The 2023 FOUNDERS Award is being presented on behalf of the Lutheran Education Foundation to Dennis and Susie Francis.
Each year this award is given to those who have shown commitment to and steadfast support of the mission of Lincoln Lutheran.
Susie had her professional start as a hairdresser. Once the family began to grow, she spent important time nurturing children as a stay-at-home mom and daycare provider. Susie first served Lincoln Lutheran as a kitchen aid in the school nutrition program. She would later move to the office in the role of receptionist.
Susie was the caring “mom” students and guests would encounter when visiting the office. Students would come by for a hug or piece of candy when Susie was at the desk. She enjoyed meeting new people and helping every student feel cared for and loved. Susie’s sister once asked her, “Is there anyone in this town you don’t know?” In recent years Susie has served on Messiah's Funeral Reception Team and Quilting Team.
Dennis, it is important to begin by saying thank you for your service to our country. For 28 years, Dennis flew helicopters with the U.S. Army and Nebraska Army National Guard. He served tours of duty in Vietnam and the Persian Gulf along with numerous relief missions to Nebraskans impacted by natural disasters. As a civilian, Dennis earned a PhD in Agronomy from the University of Nebraska and spent 25 years as a research soil scientist for the USDA's Agricultural Research Service.
Dennis has generously shared his time and talents with Lincoln Lutheran as well as the Lutheran Church community through various boards, committees and activities over the years. He served on the Lincoln Lutheran Board of Education for four years, and was Sue Ziegler’s right-hand man for 27 years as an assistant Track Coach. He has also served on boards of education, elders, evangelism, and outreach at Calvary and Messiah over the last 40 years.
When asked how Lincoln Lutheran impacted his family, Dennis said, “Susie and I and all four of our children have lifelong friendships with fellow believers that started with our experiences at Lincoln Lutheran. In those friendships, sometimes you’re the mentor and sometimes you’re the mentee, but in good times and tough times, the end result is growth and enrichment in our faith.”
Dennis and Susie have been married for 54 years. They have four adult children and five grandchildren.
Please join me in celebrating Dennis and Susie Francis, our 2023 Founders Award Recipients.