Frances Ann Grasley (nee Kohlbeck) was born to Eternal Life on 04/05/2012 after a long struggle with dementia. Fran was born on June 28, 1940, the firstborn of Norbert and Lorraine (Stemper) Kohlbeck and lived her entire life in Algoma.
She was a graduate of St. Mary's Grade School (1954), Algoma High School (1958), and attended one year at Marquette University. On February 13, 1960, she married Fred Grasley, her high school sweetheart and devoted husband of 52+ years. Fran was a real go-getter and active in many areas. In high school she was editor of the school newspaper and yearbook, a cheerleader, played in the band, and was active in the Algoma Youth Club. She worked many summers at "the park" and taught swimming lessons to many Algoma youngsters. She was a gifted seamstress (no doubt a skill inherited from her paternal grandfathers) and for many years created and sold her own line of dolls and "Grasley Bears". Fred and Fran were the fourth generation to run the clothing store, Kohlbeck's Inc., until their retirement in 1999. She did the accounting and much of the buying for the store. Fran was a devout Catholic and had a special devotion to Mary and the Rosary. Music was another of her loves, especially playing her saxophone in the Algoma Community Band for many years. No doubt, her favorite pastime was visiting with family and friends. She had the gift to gab. We all miss hearing your voice, Fran, and are glad you are now able to use it freely once again in Heaven.
Fran is survived by her husband Fred and their three children: Steve (Jackie), FL, Ellen (Rex Hovey), Milwaukee, and Jeff, FL. She also will be greatly missed by her two grandchildren, Lia Grasley and Spencer Grasley; her sisters Jean (Frank Salinas) Hoffman, and Kathy Kohlbeck; her brothers and sisters-in-law: George Grasley, Ruth Daul, Henry (Patsy) Grasley, Shirley Grasley, and Allen (Kris) Grasley; plus many nieces and nephews, cousins, other family and dear friends.
Fran was preceded in death by her mother and father (Norbert and Lorraine Kohlbeck), her mother-in-law and father-in-law (Harry and Stella Grasley), her brothers-in law (Harvey Daul, Harry Grasley), her sisters-in-law (Joyce Grasley, Doris Grasley).
Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. on Monday April 9, 2012 at Wiesner & Massart Funeral Home, 1617 Flora Ave., Algoma. Prayer service will be at 7 p.m. on Monday. Visitation will continue on Tuesday April 10 from 10 to 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Algoma. Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Bill Swichtenberg officiating. Burial to follow in parish cemetery. Online condolence messages to the Grasley family may be expressed here .
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations made in Fran's memory to: The Alzheimer's Assn. of NE Wis., 2900 Curry Ln-Ste. A, Green Bay, WI 54311, or the Algoma Community Band (c/o Sue Hepp, Washington St., Algoma, WI 54201), or St Mary's Church or School (118 Church St., Algoma).
