Francis “Fran” Materi, 63, of Wishek, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2026, at the Wishek Living Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, September 24, at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Bismarck. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Bismarck.

A rosary will be held at 9:00 a.m. Thursday at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit prior to the funeral.

Francis Mark Materi was born June 24, 1963, in Bismarck, the son of Lawrence and Agatha “Peggy” (Feist) Materi. He graduated from Wishek Public High School and later from Moorhead State University.

Fran was employed for over 30 years at the Wishek Star, where he served as the newspaper editor. He enjoyed following sports, especially the Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He also spent much of his time listening to music and attending concerts. Fran loved traveling to different major league ballparks to catch a baseball series and often tried to attend a concert by one of his favorite artists while on those trips.

Fran leaves two sisters, Marianne (Dennis) Burke of Missouri and Darlene Materi of Wishek; a brother, Thomas (Debora) Materi of Bismarck; three nephews, Gary (Angel) Schafer of Ohio, Kevin Schafer of Steele and Jonathan Materi of Fargo; three nieces, Missy Olheiser of New Salem, Brittany (Jamie) Thorson of Bismarck, and Bethany (Elias) Konu of Bismarck; a great‑niece, Isabelle “Ellie” Schafer of Ohio; a great‑nephew, Easton Thomas Thorson of Bismarck; brother-in-law, Gary Schafer Sr of Bismarck; and several cousins.

Fran was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Shirley Schafer; a brother, Jim Materi; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.