Obit: Francel, John (1917 – 2003)
Poster: Stan
Email: schwarze@charter.net

Surnames: FRANCEL KOZAR SMOLE KRANZC KOSCHAK BAUER

Source: TRIBUNE-RECORD-GLEANER (Loyal, Wis.) 01/08/2003

Francel, John (24 JUN 1917 – 2 JAN 2003)

John Francel, 85, Neillsville, died on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2003, at the Angelus Retirement Community, Neillsville. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, Jan. 6, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Neillsville. Music was provided by Ronald Resong, organist, and St. Mary’s Adult Choir. The Rev. Woodrow Pace officiated. Burial will be in the Holy Family Catholic Cemetery, Willard, at a later date. Pallbearers were Ed Bayuk, Henry Janezich, Val Krainz, Tony Perushek, Gayle Schoengarth and Larry Spires.

John Anthony Francel was born on June 24, 1917, in Willard, to Frank and Hannah (nee Kozar) Francel. He attended McKinley Grade School, Willard, and then worked in the Civil Conservation “CC” Camps. When he returned home he began farming on the family farm in Willard. He married Anna Smole on Dec. 1, 1951, in Willard. They took over running the family farm. In 1978, they sold the cows and in 1980 they retired from farming and moved to Neillsville. He then worked for Figi’s, Green Thumb and was a janitor at the Neillsville High School for 10 years. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Neillsville.

Survivors include his wife, Anna; three sisters, Theresa Kranzc, Waukegan, Ill., Josephine Koschak, Orange Park, Fla., and Hedwig (Robert) Bauer, Loyal; and many nephews and nieces. Preceding him in death were his parents, three brothers and five sisters.

The Gesche Funeral Home, Neillsville, is assisting the family with arrangements.