Wayne "Peewee" Francisco, 79, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023 at Inter-Faith Care Center in Carlton. He was preceded in death by his father, Vic Francisco; mother, Cris Johnson; stepfather, Bill Johnson; his life companion, Lois Featherly; nephew Jon Francisco; and sister-in-law, Carolyn Pearson.

Peewee is survived by his brother, Don Francisco of Illinois; sisters, Linda (Tim Sleeter) McLain of Homestead, Wisconsin, and Sheri (Jim) Johnson of Mountain Iron; nephews Jeff (Alice) Francisco and Nick (Erin) Johnson and their furbabies, Mikko, Dakota and Bella; and many friends.

Peewee was a positive example of living with a lifelong disability with optimism and courage. There was never a complaint or self pity when it came to his health. His concern was always for others. He lived his life with a determination to be independent, and with the help of his motorized wheelchair he succeeded. He was well-known on the streets of Cloquet.

His best times were playing cards, going to the Moose Club and to Turkey Meadow (deer camp) with Sheri and Jim. He was able to spend holidays there with all of his family, whom he loved so much. Everyone who knew Peewee had a memory or story about him and it always ended in laughter. It's hard to imagine life without him, but we take comfort in knowing he is at peace and without daily pain.

We as a family would like to thank everyone at Inter-Faith for the excellent care he received while there and to so many others who helped him over the years. We will always be grateful to all of you.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, May 12 in Atkins Northland Funeral Home, 801 14th St., Cloquet. Burial will be in St. Matthews Lutheran Cemetery in Esko. To sign the guestbook and leave an online tribute, see http://www.atkinsnorthlandfuneralhome.com.

Pine Knot News Jan. 20, 2023