Fran Bressler Obituary (1918 - 2009)

Frances Bressler Frances D.E. Bressler, age 91, passed away peacefully early Sunday morning, June 28, 2009, at American Lutheran Home in Menomonie. Fran was born on March 24, 1918, in a farmhouse in the town of Sherman, Dunn County, Wisconsin to Arthur and Frana (Kieckhafer) Graske. She was baptized and confirmed at Peace Lutheran Church in Menomonie. Fran was a 1936 graduate of Menomonie High School. After graduation, she worked for Kraft State Bank. Fran married Elmer Bressler on June 22, 1939, at Peace Lutheran Church in Menomonie, and they continued to live in the area. They were blessed with three children, and Fran was a homemaker between 1940 and 1961 while her children were growing up. During those years, she was a very active member at Peace Lutheran Church, taught Sunday school for 15 years, and participated in the Sisters of Bethany women's group at the church. She worked for the Bank of Menomonie (now Bremer Bank) from 1961 until her retirement in 1980. She also worked part-time in the income tax office of R.A. Rommelmeyer and Lorn Fuhrman. Fran and Elmer spent many wonderful years enjoying their cottage and home on Lake Tainter. It was the center for many memorable gatherings of family and friends. Fran and Elmer spent their time doing things such as putting together jigsaw puzzles, playing cards, bowling, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, and taking boat and pontoon rides on the lake. Fran also liked to knit, crochet and do many crafts. She was an active member of the Tainter Homemakers for many years. During recent years, she enjoyed living at Autumn Village in Menomonie, loved doing word search puzzles, and looked forward to spending time with her children, grandchildren, and other family members and friends. Fran is survived by two sons, Dr. Donald (Susan) Bressler of Renton, WA, Jerry (Carol) Bressler of Menomonie, and daughter, Jean (Phil) Close of Eau Claire, WI; former daughter-in-law, Sharon Bressler of Spokane, WA; eight grandchildren, Dana (Teresa) Bressler, Diane (Jim) Cortner, Kevin Bressler, Shelly (Charles) Naglevitch, Michael (Jamie) Smith, Nadine (Craig) Haas, Jamie (Ryan) Faber, and Christina (Kevin) Kienlen; two step-grandchildren, Todd (Maureen) Close and Tamara (John) Ewing; seven great-grandchildren, Kristen and Chelsea Bressler, Matthew and Joey Cortner, Gracie and Ava Haas, and Peyton Faber; two step-great-grandchildren, Kyle Mickelson and Karli Close; brother, LaVerne (Audrey) Graske; sisters-in-law, Virginia Hansen and Patricia Bressler; several nieces, nephews, and many dear friends. Fran was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Elmer, on Feb 25, 2001; an infant brother; her stepmother, Alice (Jones) Graske; and stepbrother, Robert Hansen. Funeral services to celebrate her life will be 11:00 AM, Friday, July 3rd, at Peace Lutheran Church in Menomonie with Reverend J. David Whelan officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 PM, Thursday July 2nd, at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie and one hour prior to services on Friday at the church. Interment will be at Peace Lutheran Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to Peace Lutheran Church, Autumn Village, American Lutheran Home, or Northwest Wisconsin Homecare; all of Menomonie. Thanks Mom for being such a loving and caring person. You will be missed by all of your family and friends, and we will cherish the memories that we shared. To express condolences online, visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com