Francis Bardwell, 85, of Marshfield, passed away on Friday, February 2, 2024, at Wells Nature View in Marshfield.

Frank was born on May 24, 1938, in the Austin neighborhood of Chicago, to William Joseph and Mary Loretta (McFarland) Bardwell. He graduated from St Mel's High School and formed lasting friendships in Austin, particularly with members of the Explorers club, where his love for camping and the outdoors began. Pinochle night was a regular occurrence with friends from Austin, creating legendary tales that stayed with him even after he moved away from Chicago.

After graduating from Purdue University with a degree in electrical engineering, Frank had a successful career developing patents for electrical components and devices. He maintained friendships with coworkers from Stewart Warner until his passing. One of these friends introduced him to sailing on Lake Michigan, where he met his life partner , Carolyn Bernice Sandstrom. They raised two sons; Richard (Jean) and Donald (Ewa), and their family grew to include five grandchildren: Gregory, Thomas, Katie, Maksymilian, and Nikoletta.

Family and friends, who became like family, were always Frank's top priority. Throughout their 49-year marriage, Frank and Carol, as she became known, shared a deep love for each other and their family. Frank's passion for the woodlands near Mauston, WI, was a close second to his love for family.

After becoming empty nesters, Frank took a job in central Wisconsin and built a house on Lake Sherwood near Nekoosa, where they eventually retired. Frank became active in managing the local curling club and organizing its bonspiels. He also participated in the Lake Sherwood Homeowner's Association. Close friendships continued to thrive with coworkers, curlers, and neighbors. All his grandchildren cherished time on the lake and at "The Land."

Carolyn passed away in 2014, and eventually, cancer also took Frank. In his time at Wells Nature View in Marshfield, he formed meaningful relationships with Andrea and the rest of the amazing caregivers . His ability to connect with people across generations was his true legacy, with one nephew affectionately calling him "uncle-brother."

Frank's wish was not for mournful remembrances but for everyone to raise a glass and celebrate cherished moments.

Instead of a memorial, his family plans to hold a celebration of life on his birthday in Chicago.

Frank is survived by his cousin Virginia Ross nee Hiltenburg.

He is proceeded in death by brothers Paul of Houston, Harry of Stamford, CT, and Chicago, and his sister, Marilyn DeStefano.