Steven Phd

Madison - Steven Dale Francis, PhD, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 6, 2012 at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg.

He was born July 11, 1950 in Madison, Wisconsin to Nobert (Beau) and Dorothy (Davis) Francis who have passed before him. Steve continued his education throughout his life and earned his PhD in Theology.

Steve's life-long passion was gourmet cooking. He graduated from chef school and worked at several local restaurants prior to joining Madison General Hospital (now Meriter) in 1976 in the Food and Nutrition Department. Steve was very caring and volunteered to work many holidays to allow his co-workers to spend time with their families. He was at his best playing Santa Claus at many gatherings. He especially loved providing comfort to terminally ill patients by preparing exquisite gourmet meals for them during their final days.

In his earlier years Steve loved to hike and camp in the National Parks and canoe the Boundary Waters. In his later years he was a voracious reader and also enjoyed preparing gourmet dinners for family and friends. He was full of fun and had an infectious laugh. He loved decorating for every holiday, cultivating his beautiful flower gardens and feeding the birds and other critters that showed up for a handout behind his condo.

Steve will be greatly missed by his brothers: Spencer (Julie); Edward (JoAnn), Richard (Fern), and Greg, his nieces and nephews, and numerous friends, especially his fellow co-workers at Meriter Hospital for whom he cared so much.

The family would like to extend a "Thank You" to the UW Hospital, Select Specialty Hospital, Meriter Hospital, Wisconsin Dialysis Center and Wisconsin Heart & Vascular Institute for your loving care. From Steve: "Kim (niece), a special thanks for sharing your love, time and assistance during my last few years."

A Gathering In Celebration of Steve's life will be held at MERITER HOSPITAL CHAPEL, 202 S. Park St. in Madison on Thursday, May 17, 2012 from 3:00 to 4:00 p. m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, Wisconsin 53711.