Obit: Frane, Geraldine R. “Gerri” (1934 - 2022)

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

Surnames: Frane, Williams, Walkama, Orheim, Gribowski, Christopherson, Long, Laurin, Redfern

----Source: Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home (Colby, Clark Co., WI) 9/03/2022

Frane, Geraldine R. “Gerri” (6 September 1934 – 3 September 2022)

Geraldine R. “Gerri” Frane, age 87, of Colby, died peacefully on Friday, September 3, 2022, at the Waterford Assisted Living in Colby under the tender care of Heartland Hospice

Gerri was born on September 6, 1934, the daughter of Eino and Elsie (Williams) Walkama in Owen. She attended Park Side Grade School and graduated from Owen High School. On December 27, 1951, Gerri was united in marriage to Howard M. Frane at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Owen. Once married she helped Howie farm in Curtiss and worked at Teledyne Post in Owen for many years. Gerrie then purchased and ran a small grocery store called “Gerries Mini Mart” in Curtiss until 1984. She was also active in the Curtiss Homemakers Club. Howie and Gerri then moved to Colby. She was a charter member of the Colby Lioness Club.

She love fishing, bowling, polka music & dancing, camping, baking, playing cards, jigsaw puzzles, working with crafts. Most of all, Gerri loved spending time with her family and friends. She was a great wife, mother, grandma and friend.

Gerri is survived by husband of 71 years, Howie; 3 children: Tom (Arlyne) Frane, Dave (Debbie) Frane, Barb (Barry) Orheim; 6 grandchildren: Kevin (Kris) Frane, Kelly (Joe) Gribowski, Shauna (Jason) Christopherson, Kyle (Alyssa) Frane, Savanna (Taylor) Long and Matt Orheim, 8 great grandchildren: Kandra (Tyler/Fiancée) Frane, Daejo Laurin, Madison Gribowski, Libby Christopherson, Kaiden Frane, Kooper Frane, Kinzee Frane, Oakley Orheim and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents; and two sisters: Mary and Jean.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Parish in Colby on Friday September 9, 2022. Father Joseph Redfern will officiate. Interment to follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Colby. Family and friends are welcome for the visitation from 9:30 a.m. until the time of mass at church on Friday. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Colby is entrusted with the arrangements.

Gerri’s family would like to thank Heartland Hospice and the Waterford for their tender care of Gerri.

In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established at a later date.

Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com.