Francis E. Orth

Francis E. Orth, age 93, a resident of Manitowoc, entered eternal life on Sunday morning, August 10, 2025 at Harbor View Assisted Living in Manitowoc.

Francis was born on December 5, 1931 in Manitowoc. He was the son of the late Edward and Elizabeth Kaiser Orth. Francis received his education in the Manitowoc Public School system. He enlisted in the United States Army and served his country overseas during the Korean War. After his honorable discharge he returned to Manitowoc. On December 27, 1952 he married Betty J. Sebo at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Manitowoc. After 66 years of marriage she preceded him in death on October 3, 2019. Francis became employed with the Manitowoc City Police Department for 34 years retiring on January 3, 1987. During his time with the police department Francis was a motorcycle patrol officer for many years. After retiring from the police department he ran Fran's Bobcat Service. Francis was a member of the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Otto Oas Post #659 where served as Post Commander from 1977 to 1978, a life time member of the Honor Guard and for 51 years served as a Judge Advocate and Trustee of the VFW Post. Francis was also a member of the Blue Knights Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, Travelers Protective Association, bowling leagues, and pitching in local softball leagues. He enjoyed fishing at his cottage, riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle, and spending time with his grandchildren. Francis brought much joy to children, families, nursing home residents and hospital patients with his infamous laugh playing Santa Claus for 72 years. In 2014 Francis was a member of the Old Glory Honor Flight. On April 19, 2021 Francis received the Commendation Award from the Office of the Mayor in Manitowoc.

He is survived by three children, Terry (Joy) Orth, Manitowoc, Dennis (Jackie) Orth, Manitowoc, Kay Orth, Wauwatosa; three grandchildren, Christopher (Jessica Powers-Orth) Orth, Tiffani (Grant) Wabnitz, Bryan (Amanda) Orth; three great grandchildren, Sadie, Jude, and Wyatt; two sisters-in-law, Carolyn Orth and Rita Mae Orth; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Kim Sebo, Shirley Burich, Joann Sebo, Ronald and Carolyn Sebo, Joann and Tony Riesterer, Thomas and Kris Sebo, Dorene Schneider, and Linda Hoeffner; nieces, nephews, along with other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Elizabeth Orth, his wife Betty, and 18 brothers and sisters.

Funeral services will be held 12 p.m. on Monday, August 18, 2025 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Waldo, 1121 North 14th Street, Manitowoc. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Nicholas Stellpflug with burial to follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Manitowoc. Military rites will be accorded at Evergreen Cemetery by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Otto Oas Post #659. Relatives and friends may call at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home on Sunday, August 17, 2025 from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. and then on Monday at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Waldo from 10:30 a.m. until the time of services at 12 p.m.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.