Frances A. Gratton
Frances A. Gratton (nee Walgenbach), age 89 passed away peacefully with her family and her Assisted Living family at her side on Friday, June 6, 2014 at Woodlands Senior Park in Fond du Lac.
Frances was born on May 7, 1925 in Fond du Lac to John and Rose (nee Muellenbach) Walgenbach. After graduating from Lowell P. Goodrich High School in 1943, Frances worked for the Fond du Lac Commonwealth Reporter. In later years, she worked for Rolling Meadows Nursing Home retiring in 1990.
On August 27, 1948 at St Mary’s Church, Frances married her childhood friend, Carl Gratton. In 1957 Frances and Carl became Charter Members of the newly established Sacred Heart Church, now Holy Family Parish, and remained a member until she was called to her heavenly home. Frances was a chartered member of the Sacred Heart Altar and Rosary Society and had served as a Eucharist Minister. Frances enjoyed crocheting, bowling, flower and vegetable gardening, dogs, card games, especially sheephead, visiting family, friends, and nursing home residents on Sunday’s. She loved her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren/step great grandchildren, and great-great granddaughter.
Frances is survived by Carl, her loving husband of 66+ years; four children, Mary (Darrell) Brown of Germantown, Karla Gratton of Fond du Lac, Cindy (Ted) Lipske of Fond du Lac, and Peter (Peggy) Gratton of Bettendorf, IA; ten grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren/step great grandchildren; 1 great-great granddaughter; special friend Betty (Rick) Baker; other relatives and friends.
Frances was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Marcella Walgenbach, Mary Walgenbach and Lucille (Joseph) Grailer; one brother, Franklin (Mary Ann) Walgenbach, three nieces and several special friends.
Visitation will be held Monday, June 16, 2014 at Holy Family Church, 271 4th Street Way, Fond du Lac, 9:00 to 10:45 AM.
Services: A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 16th at 11:00 AM at Holy Family Church. Burial will follow at St. Charles Cemetery, County UU, Fond du Lac.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Holy Family Parish, Hospice Hope, or the charity of one’s choice.
A special thank you to Val, the Woodlands staff, and the Agnesian Hospice staff for their loving care, dedication, and compassion for Frances and words of comfort to the family. These attributes will never be forgotten.
Zacherl Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family. www.zacherlfuneralhome.com