Frances G. Flunker

Frances Gertrude (Wood) Flunker, age 90, was called to Heaven and reunited with the love of her life, Gene on March 9, 2025. She was born to William and Josephine (Steddick) Wood on September 19, 1934. Fran and Gene met in high school, and after years apart, they reunited at Thursday night bowling league at Sabre Lanes, that would become a lifetime of love. Fran worked at George Banta Company for more than 40 years as a quality control manager, a job she loved and was great at.

Gene and Fran spent hours playing cribbage at the cottage on Boom Bay. She enjoyed spending time with her family, loved fishing and was an avid Packer fan. Fran was a faithful member of Bethel Lutheran Church, Menasha. Fran’s grandchildren and great grandchildren were a major source of joy in her life; she loved hearing stories of their shenanigans. She loved planning and organizing events and parties and was always ready to have fun!

Fran is survived by her children: Bruce (Sally) Flunker, Sue (Chris) Thelen, and Patti (John) Schaetz; grandchildren: Dylan (Rebecca Barth) Flunker, Rob (Brianna) Flunker, Natalie (Robert) Erickson, Christopher (Becky) Thelen Jr., Casie Thelen, Tiffany (Matt) Lesperance, Casey Schaetz, Beau (Michelle) Schaetz; great grandchildren: Nora, Asher, Axel, Aurora, Wyatt, Kenzie, Luke, Drew, Ace, Brayden, Jackson, and Carson. She is further survived by sisters-in-law Jeri (Dan) Grunwald, Betty Flunker and Audrey Flunker; special niece and nephew: Peg Benjamin and Bill Cross as well as many other nieces, nephews and other relatives, friends, and her goose Lucy.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 39 years, Gene, her parents William and Josephine, and grandson Spencer Thelen. In addition, she was preceded in death by her many siblings.

A visitation for Fran will take place on Saturday March 15, 2025, at Bethel Lutheran Church, 829 Appleton Road, Menasha from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM. A Christian funeral will take place at 1:00 PM with light refreshments to follow.

Fran’s favorite color was pink, all are encouraged to incorporate pink into their outfits in her honor.

Fran’s family would like to thank the Oakridge Garden family for their care, compassion, and friendship during her time with them.

She was Oakridge Garden’s resident social butterfly, candy dealer and gossip queen.

Fran’s beautiful smile was contagious and will be missed.

We love you forever, Mom.