Arllyce Geraldine Foate

Foate, Arllyce Geraldine Just days after a rousing 90th birthday celebration, which she described as the best in her life, Arllyce Geraldine Foate of Shawano, died on March 3, 2013, ending a life of loving, laughter, hard work and friendship. Her death was happy and peaceful, and she was surrounded by loved ones. Arllyce was born February 28, 1923 in Crandon, WI, the daughter of Fredrick and Clara Wetzel Frank. Fredrick died when she was just five years old. Arllyce enjoyed a loving relationship of humor, good counsel and mature friendship with her mother who raised her in Crandon, where Arllyce graduated high school in 1941. Arllyce, always as bright and beautiful as she was loving, attended nursing school in Green Bay, WI, where she met her beloved husband, John M. Foate. Recognizing both her extraordinary inner and outer beauty, John quickly assured Arllyce that they would spend the rest of their lives together. She and John married September 5, 1942 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where John was stationed at Grider Field. A loving and resourceful wife and mother who made single parenting (while John was in service) look easy. She was a genius at stretching limited resources, made dresses, home-permed, bathed, entertained, advocated for, nursed, taught, challenged, and inspired her daughters. In addition, she quickly advanced through the ranks at Globe Union in Milwaukee, WI, where she inspected electronic components for aeronautics and trained other inspectors. When faced with challenges, Arllyce approached every day with grace and humor. She inspired family, friends and even strangers with her spirited interactions and sincere concern for the well being of others. Even as adults, her children sought her out to hear their joys and concerns, tap her wisdom and soothe all manner of maladies. She was ever cheerful, ever positive and never had an unkind word to say about anyone. Her daughters grew up enjoying her unconditional love. Her grand children and great-grandchildren enjoyed that same love, and cherish an abundance of beautiful memories, life lessons and moments of joyful abandon. Referred to as Ma or Mom by many who have no familial relationship to her, Arllyce parented, befriended, counseled, celebrated and brought joy to friends of her children, neighbors, clerks, care providers, and all who welcomed her attention. She could be counted on for notes and gestures for birthday, holiday, illness and sympathy. She partied with class (she and John were amazing on the dance floor). Arllyce gardened, made jewelry, knit, cooked like no other, played the organ at church, and was our "Grammy Christmas Lady." Arllyce was beloved and remembered by people she had barely met; often, people meeting her years later expressed their appreciation for her kind gestures and caring ways. Arllyce is a memorable woman whose spirit and grace will continue to charm the lives of those who love her for all the days to come. Survivors include her children, Kristine Foate (Rick Pirri) of Fort Wayne, Kathleen Foate Trewick (Michael) of Saint Louis Park, MN, Charlotte Weber of Wausau, WI, and Charlene Pasbrig (Dave) of Mayville, WI. She is also survived by loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Clara (nee Wetzel) Knoke and Fredrick Frank, she was preceded in death by her husband, John, and sisters, Viola Ginzl and Ruth Hoppe. Arllyce has made whole body donation to the University of MN School of Medicine Anatomy Bequest Program. Her immediate family will enjoy a small, private memorial in her honor in Minnesota. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Zion Lutheran Church, Shawano, WI.