Francis James Mucha

Francis James Mucha, 87, of New Richland, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2025.

Born on June 7, 1938, in Albert Lea, Minnesota, Francis was the son of the late Frank Mucha and Mary (Paczkowski) Mucha. The youngest of five children, he grew up with four older sisters: Evelyn, Lorayne, Lorencie, and LaVonne. He spent his formative years on the family farm between New Richland and Freeborn, and at the age of 12, his family relocated to a farm in New Richland, where he would live for the rest of his days. 

On June 3, 1958, Francis married the love of his life, Constance "Connie" Battenfeld, at All Saints Catholic Church in New Richland. Together, they raised four children: Susan, Joe, Jason, and Jeff. Francis devoted many years to farming and later worked for the Farm Service Center in Waseca. After retiring from farming, he transformed the farm buildings into a woodworking shop, where he crafted beautiful furniture for family and friends and generously donated pieces to All Saints Catholic Church for auction.

Francis had a passion for travel and cherished the time he spent exploring the United States with Connie, making memories with family and sightseeing along the way.

 In addition to his wife of 67 years, Connie, Francis is survived by his children, Susan (Timothy) Gossman, Joseph (Dana) Mucha, Jason (Julie) Mucha, and Jeffrey (Susan) Mucha; five grandchildren, Sophia, Sarah, Aubrey, Jordan and Ezra; four great-grandchildren, Joseph, Ardella, Frieda and Georgia; a sister, LaVonne Gaskill; and many extended family members and friends.

Francis was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Mary Mucha; sisters, Evelyn Hubert, Lorayne Shurson, and Lorencie Shurson.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00AM on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at All Saints Catholic Church in New Richland, with a visitation beginning one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be held at Calvary Cemetery in New Richland.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N Michigan Ave. Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601.