Natalie (Leistikow) Francisco, 89, passed away on Feb. 14, 2026 following a brief illness.
Natalie was the only child of Ray and Maurine Leistikow. She was born in Parsons and graduated from Parsons High School where she was a beloved member of the town favorite Polychromes singing group.
She and Edgar Francisco, Jr. were married on Valentines Day in 1956. They had six children, Lenita Francisco, Teena Francisco of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Tammy Francisco of Kansas City, Trisha Brennecke (Michael) of Parsons, Troy Francisco (Mary) of Parsons and Terry Francisco of Parsons; seven grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Natalie’s favorite thing to do was to sing and anyone who knew her remembers the beautiful voice that she loved to share with the world. She sang at home in the kitchen, at church, weddings, funerals and anywhere else she was asked. She received her real estate license, and she and Ed opened Francisco Realty in the 1970’s, where she excelled at helping people find their perfect home. Natalie also enjoyed theatre acting, bowling and golf and belonged to many leagues throughout her life.
In 1984 she started a new career as a Pastor’s wife as she followed her newly ordained husband, Pastor Ed to various Baptist churches in Iowa and Illinois. After Ed’s retirement they returned home to Parsons for a few years until his illness took them to Oklahoma for a short time. After Ed’s passing, Natalie spent time in Broken Arrow, and then moved to Kansas City area until moving back to Parsons three months ago.
Natalie was preceded in death by her husband and infant daughter.
She will be resting beside her parents and husband at Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Parsons. There will be a small family gathering at a later date.
Memorials are suggested to Proud Animal Lovers Shelter (PALS) and may be left at or mailed to the Carson-Wall Funeral Home, P.O. Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357.
