Ladis Francuz

Click Here To View Memorial Video After a long eventful life, Ladislas "Ladis" Francuz passed away on Friday, February 7, 2014. During his 90 years, he always forged his own path. Ladis was born on June 30, 1923 in Lens, France, of Polish parents. He was just a teenager when the Germans ordered him to board a train in Paris and report to Germany to be a conscripted laborer. He did not comply. It was only later, after threats were made against his family that he submitted. It was not long before he escaped, journeyed through Belgium, and returned to his home in Bretigny. When the Americans of the 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 22nd Infantry Regiment came through his hometown on their way to Paris, he volunteered to help reconnoiter French villages in their sweep. They welcomed him, put him in an American uniform, and they pushed deep into Germany. After all French civilians working with the Americans were ordered to return to France, Ladis joined the French paratroopers and served with the French occupation forces in Germany. After the war, he married Ann Marie Kaminski from Belgium, made a new home in Arpajon, France and completed a 4-year painting apprenticeship there; achieving the ranking of registered artisan. It was a tough go in post-war France, so Ladis decided he could provide for his young family better by accepting an offer of sponsorship to the U.S. made by a friend he made during his reconnaissance assignments. This was the fork in his life that brought him to Idaho Falls. His languages were French and Polish. His English was just about non-existent. He spoke, however, through his excellent painting and finishing work. After a year here, he was able to bring his wife and young daughter, Lili, over from France. Ladis became a Naturalized Citizen in 1959. Since 1954, except for about seven years in Rochester, NY and Fort Collins, Colorado, he has made his home in Idaho Falls. There are many here that remember Ladis not only for his fine work but also his "jousting" style of repartee. His was a strong spirit all along the way. He was never afraid to take the next step. He is survived by his daughter, Lili Francuz and his son-in-law Michael Loughlin of Fort Collins, Colorado; brother-in-law Valentine Kaminski of Galveston, Texas; sister-in-law Christiane Francuz of Le Vesinet, France; sister-in-law Josette Francuz of Chatou, France; nieces Elizabeth Francuz and Dany Herve; nephews Dominique and Erique Zybrad, all in France; and his close friend Yvette Kifer. His spouse, Ann Marie, his parents, two brothers and sister preceded him in death. A Celebration of Ladis' Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 12, 2014 at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge Avenue in Idaho Falls.

Celebration of Life Will Be Held

11:00 a.m. ,Wednesday, February 12, 2014 Wood Funeral Home 273 North Ridge Avenue Idaho Falls, ID 83402