Frances R. Dhein

Frances R. Dhein, age 87, re-joined her beloved husband Neil, passing away at her home surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, February 25, 2009. Frances was born in Stevens Point, Wisconsin on December 6, 1921, the daughter of the late John and Mary (Shippy) Drefcinski. She was a 1940 graduate of P.J. Jacobs High School, and on June 11, 1946, she married Neil Dhein in Dubuque, Iowa. Neil preceded her in death on May 11, 2005.

After high school, Frances supported the war effort by working at Preway Industries making shell casings. After her marriage to Neil, she lovingly focused on the most important part of her life: raising her four children. She made sure her children were surrounded with love and support, and this continued with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Over the years, she attended hundreds of her family's events, including sporting events, ballet and piano recitals, concerts and plays. Even later in life she didn't let the fact that she had become wheelchair bound prevent her from supporting her grandchildren by continuing to attend these events. She taught her family Christian values and commitment to relationship, not only through words but by strong example. Her influence and affect on people went beyond her family. Countless others considered her to be their second mother, grandmother or best friend. At her home at Appleton Retirement Community, many of her caretakers considered her a counselor, a confidant and good friend.

Frances was the happiest when she was together with family or friends who enjoyed her zest for a good time. Card games of any kind were her favorite, but she also enjoyed board games, puzzles and, in her day, an occasional hot game of bowling or badminton. Any occasion was an excuse to get the entire family together and she was not above a bit of deviousness to invent such an occasion.

Frances leaves behind her four dear children: Jere (Sheri) Dhein of Green Bay; Julie (Bruce) Doerfler of Appleton; Curtis (Kristy) Dhein of Waupaca; Meri (Chuck) Hujet of Appleton; six wonderful grandchildren: Shaney (Craig) Andler and their children Alex and Jacob; Travis (Robyn) Dhein; Jessie (Jake) Elson and their son Quinn; Abby (Timm) VanderLoop and their daughter Kate; Julia Hujet; and Joe Hujet. Frances also has a sister-in-law: Catherine Dhein of Stevens Point.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Neil, a sister Caroline (Bob) Koback, and a grandson Joshua David Doerfler.

The Christian Funeral for Frances will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, February 28, 2009 at BETHANY EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH, 530 W. Parkway Boulevard in Appleton with Rev. Darin D. Aden officiating. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday (TODAY) from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM and again Saturday at the church from 9:30 AM until the hour of the service. A memorial fund in Frances' name is being established.

Mom, we will never be able to fill the void left by your departure. We have not only lost our dear mother, but also a best friend. Rest assured that through your teaching, urging and lessons you have created a family with bonds that will last forever. Thank you so much for that. We will all miss you for the rest of our lives. “Call us when you get there!”

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to: the staff at Appleton Retirement Community and ThedaCare at Home Hospice. Thank you for caring for Frances with so much love and compassion.

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton, WI 54911
920 739-1231