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Francis Anthony Tschida passed away April 28, 2011 in Scarborough, Maine.

He was born in St. Cloud, Minnesota on March 30, 1944 to Frank and Cecelia Tschida. He graduated from Remer High School in 1962 and North Dakota State School of Science in 1965. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1965, and was on active duty for training until retirement in 1985, which included tours of Southeast Asia in 1968 and 1971. He continued his education at the University of Wisconsin, where he received bachelor degrees in history, electrical engineering, and economics, and a masters degree in abnormal psychology. His career focus was in computer engineering.

He gave generously of his time as executive board chairman of the University of New Mexico Hospital and the Children's Hospital of New Mexico. He also served on the New Mexico State Economic Development Council and was involved in fundraising efforts for Public Television.

Fran was adventurous and drawn to wind sports. He was a world ranked hot air balloonist, had a private pilot's license and loved to sail. He spent a year sailing on the Atlantic with his wife on a Catamaran.

He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Charlynn, of North Yarmouth, Maine; daughters Ashley Reed and Britte Groves, both of Albuquerque NM; four grandchildren, Miles and Bailey Groves and Annika and Schuyler Reed; brothers Elmer (Kathleen) Tschida of Oakdale, MN and Kevin (Karla) Tschida of Remer, MN; sisters Elsie (Melvin) Stock of St. Paul, MN and Darlene (Marshall) Peterson of Minneapolis, MN; and many nieces, nephews and friends worldwide. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Marvin Tschida, and a sister, Dorene Stanley.

A memorial service was held in Yarmouth, Maine on May 5, 2011. Inurnment with full military honors will be at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Augusta, Maine on May 26, 2011.[[In-content Ad]]

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