Francis E. Paulin, 80, died on Sunday, Oct. 27, at Avantara Mountain View.

Francis was born on January 5, 1939, in Turners Falls, MA, to Camille and Anita (Roy) Paulin. Francis graduated from Turners Falls High School in 1957. He enlisted in the US Air Force and served for 20 years, including a tour in Thailand from 1970-71.  While stationed at Wright Patterson AFB in Dayton Ohio, he met Roseann Louise Hickey.  They married in 1963 and then raised a family together for the following 25 years.

After his retirement as a SSgt in 1977, Francis worked at St. Martin's Academy and Benedictine Convent for many years on the buildings and grounds staff. He was a very active member of the St. Isaac Jogues and Cathedral Parishes, singing in the choir and serving as a lay Eucharistic Minister. He loved talking with people and sharing his faith. He also attained Fourth-Degree with the Knights of Columbus.

Survivors include his children, John C. (Terri) Paulin, of Rapid City, Michael F. (Deana) Paulin, of Nebraska City, NE, Therese L. (Todd) Marlette, of Sioux Falls, and Steven D. Paulin, of Rapid City and his siblings, Jeanette (John) Bruno, Tilton, NH, Rita (John) Sak, of Southwick, MA, Fr. George Paulin, of Arlington, VT, Adele (Kathy) Paulin, of Wilbraham, MA, and Camilla (Douglas) Pratt, of Greenfield, MA. Francis was a proud grandpa to seven grandchildren, Andrew Ross (Katie), Jessica Lynn (Justin Freeman), Corissa Rose, Matthew Donald, Christopher Michael, Joshua Dean, and Stephanie Michelle.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, Leon "Roy" and Philip, and a great grandchild, Camille.

Visitation will be from 5-7 pm on Thursday, Oct. 31 at St. Isaac Jogues Church.

A Christian wake service will be held at 7 pm at St. Isaac Jogues Church.

Christian funeral mass will be offered at 10 am on Friday, Nov. 1 at St. Isaac Jogues Church.

Burial, with military honors rendered by Ellsworth Air Force Base Honor Guard, will be at 12 Noon at Black Hills National Cemetery.