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Obituary

Wendy Jean Francis

June 11, 1954 - June 17, 2023

Wendy Jean Francis was born June 11, 1954, in Red Cloud NE to Orval and Phebe (Nicolaisen) Francis. She died peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, on June 17, 2023.

Wendy had many careers in her lifetime. After a short stint at UNL, Wendy worked at Meginnis Ford as a car runner, managed the Sinclair Station in Airpark, worked at Metromail for 18 years, and at Woods Bros Realty for 22 years. She was recognized by both Woods Bros and the Realtor’s Association of Lincoln (separately) as Realtor of the Year. She also served on The Lincoln Commission on Human Rights and the Lincoln/Lancaster Planning Commission, as well as serving on several community boards, including ACLU NE, YWCA, PFLAG, Realtors Association of Lincoln, and Nebraska Association of Realtors.

Wendy and Roxann enjoyed their pets – cats and many dogs. Many of Wendy’s friends on Facebook were just as crazy for their fur babies as they were, and brought her lots of loyal Facebook friends who supported her during her many medical stays.

Wendy was active in organized sports from the time she was in Jr High making lifelong friends.

She also enjoyed her friends from grade school who made sure to boost her spirits during her illness and became a monthly meeting group until Covid – but thank goodness for the Facebook group. She treasured her ‘Thursday Girls’ and cherished all of her friends. Friends became clients, and many clients became friends.

Wendy was preceded in death by her parents, infant sister Jeri Louise, brother Tim, and brother-in-law Jerry Newman.

Wendy is survived by the love of her life, wife Roxann Nuzum, brother Jim (Karen) Francis, all of Lincoln. Nephew Bob (Allison) Francis and daughters Nora and Phebe, all of Asheville, NC. Sister-in-law Ronda Newman and daughters Riley and Piper of Council Bluffs, IA, great nephew-in-law Randy (Tina) Newman and daughters, Lucie and Mia of Talala, OK, as well as chosen family: Rita Snyder, Kris Yates, Randy Reinhart, Gina Matkin, Pam Blecha, Tammy Foley, and Shirly Flynn.

A “Celebration of a Life Well Lived” will be held at Ropers Funeral Home Chapel at 10:00 am on Thursday, June 22nd. Wendy insisted that everyone come dressed “VERY casual.” Wendy also requested that any memorials be directed to The Cat House of Lincoln or Hearts United for Animals in Auburn, NE.

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Services

June22

Celebration of Life

Roper & Sons Midtown Chapel

4300 O St.
Lincoln, NE 68510

(402) 476-1225

Share a Memory or Condolence

June 22, 2023

This world has lost a beautiful person that made this world a better place. Wendy had many qualities, that if all were listed, it would be a never ending list. Qualities that begin a list: devoted, funny, giving, loving, saw “the glass is half full”, ethical, generous, humble, “walked softly and carried a big stick”, gentle, soft, and ….. I miss you Wendy and, Roxanne may your heart find may peace.

– Doreen Moritz
June 21, 2023

I remember going out to lunch with Wendy and Roxann at La Paz a few years ago and asked how they met. Of course it was through buying a house and they clicked immediately because they both shared such a great sense of humor. It was and still is a good love story.

– Judy Mulder
June 21, 2023

I met Wendy during my early years attending Nebraska Realtor Association meetings and we sat on a few of the committees. Very passionate about our industry and helping clients. It was evident in everything she did, I always enjoyed visiting with her. Even after she retired, we stayed in touch via Facebook, and she was such an upbeat and encouraging person to me when I was battling cancer the past few years, with her having her own struggles. Will miss seeing her posts of you and your pets’. Prayers for you Roxann for Comfort during this difficult time.

– Cinda Munoz
June 20, 2023

We were neighbors to her brother Tim. She was such a bright light in his life. How I wish we knew each other better in person, but she really was a great Social Media friend. We would share stories via messenger, I will treasure them always, and will now say “hi Tim/Wendy” to all black squirrels and blue jays. My heart goes out to Roxie, love of her life. I cannot make it on Thursday physically, but my heart will be there.

– Sylvia Fuller & Family
June 20, 2023

Wendy was my realtor when I bought my house 10 years ago. She was such a fun and friendly person. She helped this newly single mom find the perfect house with patience and expert guidance. My condolences to her wife, her family and friends.

– Mindy Everest
June 20, 2023

I am so happy that a Beardie puppy brought us together for a very short time but we had so much fun and Matt and I felt we had always known Wendy and Rox. Our hearts are broken that such a wonderful dear person has left us. It will be very strange not seeing Wendy’s post on Facebook.

– Darleen Ereaux
June 19, 2023

My heart is aching knowing one of the brightest lights has gone out in this world of ours. Wendy was one of the kindest people with me in my journey in my later life. Her sense of humor and mine were compatible which made for a very happy relationship. She will forever be in my memory of most treasured people I knew and loved.

– Bill Porn

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