Obit: Conway, Francis J. (1902 - 1999)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: CONWAY TOLFORD FAWCETT KRAUTKRAMER REYNOLDS LINDQUIST

----Source: Thorp Courier (Clark County) March 10, 1999

Conway, Francis J. (5 Mar 1902 - 3 Mar 1999)

Francis J. Conway, of Thorp, WI died March 3, 1999, two days before his 97th birthday.

Beloved husband of Philomene (Tolford) of 69 years. Dear father of Mary Elizabeth, St. Paul, MN, Rosanne Fawcett, Shorewood, WI, Catherine Ellen (Robert X.) Krautkramer, Steamboat Springs, CO, Jane (John W.) Reynolds, Whitefish Bay, WI and Connaught (John) Lindquist, Duluth, MN. Further survived by many loving grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is also survived by one brother, Bernard (Helen), Lyndon Station. He was preceded in death by one brother, Robert M. and one sister, Catherine.

Mr. Conway, born March 5, 1902 in Lyndon Station, WI. He began as a bank examiner for the State Banking Department, then relocated to Thorp as the cashier of the local bank. In 1929 with five partners and five thousand dollars, he formed a corporation to help farmers obtain loans during the depression and from this Thorp Finance Corporation grew to a multi-million dollar company, eventually merging with ITT in 1965. Among Mr. Conway's varied accomplishments were serving on the State Banking Commission under five governors, former member of the Board of Regents at Marquette University, former president of American Industrial Bankers Association, 50-year member of Milwaukee Athletic Club, delegate to Democratic Conventions from FDR to JFK, former Wisconsin Irishman of the year, charter member of the Thorp Lions Club, proud member of Piscatorial, generous donor of civic projects to his city and a fourth degree K. of C. His proudest accomplishment was his wife and family.

He was a devoted husband, kind and gentle father, grandfather and businessman of the highest integrity.

The funeral took place 10:30 a.m., Saturday, march 6, 1999 at St. Bernard's-St. Hedwig's Catholic Church, Thorp. Visitation was at the Thorp Funeral Home, Friday, March 5 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.