Frances Julia Zimmerman, of Antigo, died Wednesday, October 28, 2020, at Care Partners under the care of LeRoyer Hospice. She was 93 years old. She was born on September 24, 1927, in Antigo, a daughter of Lukas and Anna (Trochta) Sikora. She married John Zimmerman on June 22, 1949, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Antigo. He preceded her in death on June 11, 2001.
She graduated from Antigo High School, attended Langlade County Normal School and the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point where she received her Bachelor Degree in Education.
She taught five years in one-room rural schools in Langlade County. She became a homemaker for the next 10 years raising her family in Antigo. She returned to teaching at St. Hyacinth Catholic grade school teaching first grade for a year then fifth grade for eleven years along with social studies to the upper grades. The following 14 years Frances taught second grade at St. Mary Catholic grade school, also teaching social studies to the upper grades. After retiring in 1993, she became a substitute teacher for 18 years, completing her teaching career in 2012.
She was a member of SS Mary and Hyacinth Catholic Church, its rosary society and prayer shawl circle.
Survivors include three daughters, Nancy (James) Braun, Green Bay, Carol (Greg) Freeman, Wausau, Mary (Terry) Waldvogel, Antigo; a son, Frank (Joanne) Zimmerman, LaCrosse;
ten grandchildren Matt (Stacy) Zimmerman, Julie (Mike) Brudos, Heidi (Nic) Pichette, Kevin (Krista)Braun, Kristie Braun, Andy (Jessie) Waldvogel, Claire (Lawrence) Gillick, Paul (Amy) Waldvogel, Miranda (Rylan Hoerter) Freeman and Vanessa Freeman;
14 great-grandchildren Brooklyn, Lily, Colten, Carter, Zackary, Addison, Thomas, Nathan, Frank, Harrison, Theo, Quentin, Caleb, Nora;
a sister, Mary Wild, Antigo; two sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Sikora, Delores Zimmerman.
In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by two sisters and their husbands, Anne (Fred) Fleischman, Helen (James) Seis; five brothers and their wives, Felix (Margaret) Sikora, Frank (Eleanor) Sikora, Laddie (Evelyn) Sikora, John (Arlene) Sikora, Joseph Sikora; a brother-in-law, Leonard Wild;
her husbands family: Irvin (Eleanor) Zimmerman, Christina (Albert) Wild, Sophie (Albert) Wild, Dorothy (George) Tomcek, Alice (Norman) Frisch, Ann (Louie) Selner, Clara (Maynard) Frisch, Mary Jane (Norbert) Szews, Eugene (Millie) Zimmerman, Gertrude (Joe) Beran, Joseph Zimmerman
The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, November 2, 2020, at 10:30 a.m. at SS Mary Hyacinth Catholic Church with Rev. Callistus Elue officiating. Burial will take place in Queen of Peace Cemetery.
Visitation will be 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday at the Bradley Funeral Home and 9 to 10 a.m. on Monday at the funeral home. A parish wake service will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday also at the funeral home.
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Antigo, WI 54409
Visitation
Antigo, WI 54409
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Antigo, Wisconsin 54409
2 people have supported the family by purchasing them flowers or gifts from the Healing Registry.
Mrs. Zimmermann was my favorite teacher from my years at St. Hyacinth, she was an excellent teacher and a very nice person, saw her years later at a wedding for a former classmate from St. Hyacinth and she was still the same great person, my condolences to the family
I know that Grandma Z has touched all of our lives in a variety of ways. I will always remember her for how selfless she was, always there for you with a smile and a prayer, and today I find comfort in knowing that the role she had in my life while I was growing up will remain the same moving forward.
Thinking back I am sure that many of us share very fond memories of similar things: holiday gatherings, the smells of Grandma's kitchen and the card games that would follow, but one thing that I have grown to appreciate was Grandma's unwavering faith in God.
When I was little, I knew that going to church was good, that needed no explanation. And that when grandma announced, "shall we pray?" before a meal that it was time to hush up and join in.
But as I grew older I had more questions than answers. Things were no longer easy and automatic. There were certain experiences that were difficult for me. In moments, where my own faith was shaken. Grandma was there to encourage me to pray.
In those moments I was confused by her genuine and constant confidence in something so inexplainable. Grandma, I understand now that you were my eyes, relaying truths that although not evident to me were very present and real, and I am grateful for that.
I will definitely miss those physical reminders that only grandma could sprinkle in, and I see now that some things are inexplainable and that is ok. The relationships that we shared with Grandma will always be with us, and I know that she and grandpa are both smiling down on us today.
I admire Grandma for the way she lived her life She was someone who grew up with very little, but left us all with so much. She has gone from teaching us about the love God has for us to not only witnessing it, but vowing to forever share it with us. In her final days Grandma said she would be praying for us when she reached paradise. I cannot imagine a more selfless and loving person.
We love you Grandma.
Andy Waldvogel
Mrs. Zimmerman was my favorite 5th grade teacher at St. Hyacinth's. My sincere sympathy to your family. It's hard to lose a Mother.
I taught Science in the upper grades with her for four years at St. Hyacinth’s . She was a “hoot” to work with and a wonderful teacher. My condolences to her family. Heaven has gained another wonderful soul.
Nancy, sincere condolences. Thinking of you at this difficult time and sending prayers for comfort. I remember you and your family fondly.
Donna (Schleis) Evans
Dear Mary and family, We are very sorry to hear of the passing of your Mother. Our hearts go out to you during this sad time. Reading her obituary she surely earned her wings teaching students well beyond her career. She was someone special. We are keeping you all in our prayers.
Pam and Mike Sohasky
I am sorry you all have to feel this loss! Francie was my second grade teacher and my grandma’s sister. It was unique to know my grandma’s sister so well for the majority of my life. Francie’s passing is a loss and a gain. Her soul gets to be with other passed loved ones who she hasn’t seen in a long time and has deeply missed! Find comfort in knowing that and that she’s always still around all of you also!
💜 Sara Chrudimsky
I am sorry you all have to feel the loss of Francie. She was my second grade teacher, and also my grandma’s sister. It was unique to know my grandma’s sister so well for majority of my life. Her passing is a loss, but also a gain. Francie gained the opportunity to be with so many loved ones she hasn’t seen in so long because of their passing. Her soul is so happy! Take comfort in knowing that and that she’s always around all of you still. 💜 Sara Chrudimsky
Dear Nancy and family, I was so sorry to hear of your Mom passing. I always enjoyed seeing her at the Rosary meetings and talking with her. Remembering you in prayer
Waldvogel Family,
We are so sorry to hear about your mom/grandma's passing. She was a sweet lady who always had a smile on her face. Praying for comfort for all of you in this difficult time.
Brandon and Alisha Resch family
Deepest sympathy to Aunt Francie beautiful family ! Forever in our hearts❤️
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