Grace Aurah Franc died in Medford on Sunday, May 27, 2012 at the age of 84. She was under the care of Care Partners Assisted Living and Hope Hospice & Palliative Care.
She was born on Oct. 9, 1927 in the Town of Peck to the late Fred and Gladys (Lloyd) Anstutz. She married Frank Franc on June 21, 1948 at Antigo United Methodist Church. He preceded her in death on Feb. 20, 2008.
Mrs. Franc attended Marsh Grade School in the Town of Ackley and Antigo High School. She continued her education at the Langlade County Normal School, where she attained her teacher certification. She went on to earn BS and MS degrees at the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point. She later attended the University of Wisconsin – Superior for additional training in the education field.
Mrs. Franc began teaching in rural public schools in 1947, and later became a stay-at-home mom. She then returned to her work in public education as a para-professional at North Elementary, and later she taught kindergarten at East and Pleasant View Elementary Schools. She passed on her experience as a cooperating teacher for student teachers. She was a devoted teacher and a great inspiration to her many young students.
Active in many organizations, Mrs. Franc belonged to the United Methodist Church, church choir, National Education Association life member, Wisconsin Education Association Council life member, Langlade County Retired Educators Association, Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post #2653 lifetime member, Antigo Music Association, 4-H project leader for Bluebell Builders and Strassburg Eveready, Brain Injury of Wisconsin, Inc., Wisconsin Kindergarten Association charter member, and AARP’s National Retired Teacher Association. She donated blood regularly and contributed to environmental causes. She enjoyed family activities, crossword puzzles, reading, and traveling.
Survivors include 2 daughters, Gail Marie Franc of Minneapolis, MN, and Julie Ann (Steve) Kakes of Owen; 3 sons, Donald Franc (special friend Karen) of Merrill, David Franc (Leona Waltenberg) of Stevens Point, and Gary (Lori) Franc of Laramie, WY; 8 grandchildren, Nicholas (Sollita) Franc of Stevens Point, Donald Franc Jr., Aviation Electricians Mate, 3rd Class Petty Officer in the US Navy stationed in San Diego, Abigail (fiance Eric) Franc of Stevens Point, Peter Franc of Stevens Point, Jeremiah Kakes of Owen, Joshuah Kakes of Owen, Jesse Garyson Franc of Laramie, WY, and Alexa Lorin Franc of Laramie, WY; 3 great-granchildren, Melydi, Alexa, and Kiara Franc; a sister, Lillian Fronek of Antigo; a brother Lloyd Anstutz of Deerbrook; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Olive Fraser.
A memorial service will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 17, at Antigo United Methodist Church, 2034 W. 5th Ave. Visitation will be noon-2:00 at the church. Burial will follow the service in the Town of Peck Cemetery. Friends may visit online at www.strasserrollerfh.com.