Obit: Frenette, Eileen Marie (1920 - 2016)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Frenette, DeKoskie, Bogumill, Cornell, Song, Polster, Wirth, Miller, Lea, Connell, Elstran

----Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark Co., WI) 10/13/2016

Frenette, Eileen Marie (9 February 1920 – 7 October 2016)

Eileen Marie (Bogumill) Frenette, 96, passed away peacefully at Our Lady of Victory Hospital in Stanley with her sons at her side, on Friday, Oct. 7, 2016.

Eileen was born in Thorp, Wisconsin, on a wonderful sunny day, February 9, 1920, to Leon E. and Helen (DeKoskie) Bogumill. Eileen was raised in Thorp and she was literally related to half the town.

Upon graduation from Thorp High School in 1938, Eileen studied accounting at the Eau Claire Business College and began an apprenticeship at her father’s accounting, tax and real estate business. She was soon recruited by business owner Francis Conway to be the lead accounts receivable clerk at Thorp Finance.

It was during a dance at Thorp’s Soo Hotel that Eileen met the love of her life, Bernard “Bunny” Frenette, who happened to be visiting Thorp from Chippewa Falls with friends (hitching a ride upon Soo Line freights was not unusual). This chance of meeting led to five years of dating and over 60 years of marriage (Bernard passed in 2002).

Eileen and Bunny were married on August 7, 1941, at St. Bernard Church in Thorp with Eileen’s brother, Bill, as best man, and Bunny’s niece, Jane Frenette, as maid of honor. Within a year, Bunny was deployed for service in the Army-Air Force with stations in the US and Puerto Rico. Eileen moved as well, staying and working on bases as they traveled about. With the war over in 1945, Bunny and Eileen returned to Thorp for work and to start their family.

In addition to operating their insurance, tax and accounting services for numerous local farmers, cheese factories, taverns and funeral homes, Eileen returned to Thorp Finance (ITT) for a number of years in their real estate branch. She later joined Soderberg Real Estate, listing and selling properties. Eileen also worked in the accounting office of Blue Moon Cheese and Mattas Livestock. Retiring in 1985, she sold her insurance firm.

Wileen was known for her kindness and compassion to all she knew. She was one of the original “church-basement-ladies” who cooked, baked and cleaned for hundreds of funerals, weddings, and other events at St. Bernard’s Church. Left-over time Jello with shredded carrots made a common appearance at the Frenette home after many church functions. Eileen was a life-long member of the Order of Catholic Women and legion Auxiliary.

Eileen and family enjoyed many activities including the raising of horses, traveling the country to visit relatives, picking the winners at the horse track, going to Packer games, visiting with the Lea kids at the Hideaway Resort at Lake Wissota, picking berries, and playing golf at the Chippewa Elk’s course, to name a few. One of their travel highlights was a trip to Ireland, the result of winning the grand prize at Arlington Race Track.

Eileen is survived by her children: Joan (Rick) Cornell, Corvallis, MT, Richard Frenette, Thorp, William (Fran) Frenette, Greenwood, Jeff (Sara) Frenette, Eau Claire; grandchildren: Amy (Sam) Song, Spokane, WA, Holly Frenette, Thorp, Joseph (Mindi) Frenette, Greenwood, John Frenette, Curtis, NE, Gina Frenette, Minneapolis, MN; great-grandchildren: Malachi and Emerson Frenette, Curtis, NE; sister-in-law, Pat Bogumill, Marshfield; nephews and nieces: Bary Bogumill, Cheryl Polster, Gail Wirth, Vickie Bogumill, and Tammy Miller. Very special acknowledgement to the Frenettes, Leas, and Connells of Chippewa Falls, especially to Denny and Karen (Lea) Elstran who provided support and comfort during Bernard’s health issues; and to her son Richard, who was dedicated to her daily care and welfare.

Eileen was preceded in death by her parents; husband, brother; and nephew, Greg Bogumill.

A Celebration of Eileen’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 29, 2016, at St. Bernard Church, Thorp, with visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Lunch will be provided at the church. Eileen will be laid to rest in St. Bernard’s Cemetery beside her husband and parents, at a later date.

An avid animal lover, Eileen requested that in lieu of memorials, contributions, gifts and/or flowers/plants, donations be made to local animal shelters in memory of Bernard and Fluffy, the dog.