Darcie M. Franz

Our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend Darcie M. Franz passed away on January 2, 2026, after a brief illness at the age of 72.

She was born on November 4, 1953, in Fargo, North Dakota to Donald and Shirley Strauss. She was the oldest of 8 children. She often shared stories about growing up on the farm and the mischief she and her siblings would get into. When her family relocated to Wisconsin, she soon followed and built a life here.

A natural caregiver, she became a Registered Nurse and spent decades helping others. She put herself through college as a single mother which was incredibly hard and quite the accomplishment. She was always someone who would lend a hand, listen wholeheartedly, and give generously without ever expecting anything in return. She loved to read, do insanely complicated puzzles, and watch reruns of M.A.S.H, Hogan’s Heroes, Golden Girls and Murder She Wrote. Most of all she loved her family. Her whole face would light up even at the mention of her grandchildren and more so her great grandchildren. She cherished every second with them and would brag about them to anyone who would listen.

On June 5, 1993, she married the love of her life and best friend, John. They spent many happy years together shooting darts, watching Packer games, hosting cook outs at their home and spending time with family. She loved him so very much. When he died in 2015, her whole world turned upside down. She was absolutely devastated and was never quite herself after losing him. Knowing they are reunited in Heaven brings all of us peace and joy. They were undoubtedly each other’s soulmate.

She is survived by her daughter Heidi (Nick), grandson Evan (Angela), granddaughter Gabrielle (Issaac), great grandchildren Violet, Holly and Jagger. Stepfather Jim, Sisters Debbie, Tamarra, Mary and Brigitte (Ted), brother Rob. Sister-in-law’s Mary, Ann (Tony), Jean (Bill), brother-in-law’s, George (Debbie) and Andy (Becky) numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and her lifelong friend from grade school, Cheryl. She was preceded in death by her husband John, mother Shirley, father Donald, brothers Randy and Ricky, mother-in-law Beth, father-in-law Ollie, brother-in-law’s Jeff, Jim and Dave, nephew Cody and great nephew Dean. She will be missed terribly and cherished always.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 16 at Wichmann Funeral Homes- Laemmrich Chapel 312 Milwaukee St. Menasha WI from 3:30-5:00pm with a memorial service at 5:00pm. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

“Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted.”– Matthew 5:4