Francis Webber

Francis "Fran" Alexander Webber, 98, of De Pere, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026.

Fran was born on January 30, 1928, in Chicago, Illinois, to Ernest and Blanche Webber. He graduated from Tilden Tech High School in 1946 and briefly attended Purdue University before enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Following his military service, he utilized the G.I. Bill to earn a degree in Accounting from Loyola University.

On November 12, 1960, Fran married the love of his life, Marietta Van Slyck, in Chicago. He spent his professional career with Liquid Carbonic Corp. beginning in sales and eventually rising to the position of National Sales Manager, where he traveled extensively throughout North America. During his career, he was recognized multiple times as the company's top sales person. He retired in 1994 after many successful and fulfilling years with the company.

Fran was an avid golfer from the age of 13. While he never achieved the elusive hole-in-one-despite hitting what he estimated to be "about seven million golf balls"-he proudly qualified twice for the Chicago City Amateur and played in the Chicago Open Pro-Am at Glen Eagles Golf Club. Golf was his true passion, and many weekends were happily spent playing 36 holes on Saturday another 36 on Sunday at Cog Hill and various other courses throughout the Chicagoland area. That tradition came to a swift end shortly after his honeymoon, when he arrived home late one Sunday evening to Marietta's simple question: "What was that?" From then on, weekend golf was scaled back to a more reasonable 18 holes.

After moving to Wisconsin in 1974, Fran eagerly embraced the outdoor lifestyle. He developed a deep love for hunting and fishing, especially enjoying deer, duck, pheasant, and turkey hunting-taking particular pride in perfecting his turkey call. The family settled on a river in Coleman, Wisconsin, where life was filled with mini bikes, canoeing, swimming, ice skating, and countless outdoor adventures. Fran even tried his hand at beekeeping, providing fresh honey for the family until several bee stings and a trip to the emergency room convinced him it was time to find a new hobby.

Fran was deeply committed to creating lasting family memories. He believed strongly in traditions and ensured his children experienced them through frequent family road trips to Door County, Wisconsin Dells, Starved Rock, Wagon Wheel Lodge, Florida, Myrtle Beach, and various destinations out west. Summers were always marked by thoughtfully planned and eagerly anticipated family vacations.

After four years in Coleman, the family moved to De Pere, Wisconsin. Fran's outgoing nature and love for people quickly led to many close friendships. He enjoyed weekly rounds of golf, regular poker games, and countless hunting and fishing trips with friends. His adventures took him to various locations throughout WI, Canada, Alaska, and Lake Erie-stories he loved to tell and retell, often "holding court" with his "little" buddies. Those fishing and hunting tales remained among his favorite memories right to the end.

Throughout his life, he loved a good cigar. He enjoyed sitting in the backyard or on the front porch smoking a stick, sipping a cocktail, and watching the world go by. Even up until last fall he could be seen outside Bellevue Senior Living on his scooter, smoking his cherished "one hour" cigar.

Above all else, Fran was most proud of his children and grandchildren. He devoted his life to his family, offering steady guidance, strong values, and unwavering support. Our daily phone calls were always filled with questions about our lives. He always wanted to know how our day was or what was interesting with us or the grandchildren. He was incredibly proud of his family. He was a loving husband, a devoted father and grandfather, and a dependable provider. Whether traveling for work, exploring the world with Marietta, or planning the next family vacation, Fran always looked ahead with enthusiasm and purpose.

One of Fran's most cherished experiences was participating in the Old Glory Honor Flight for World War II veterans. The trip was deeply emotional and meaningful to him, and he felt profoundly honored to be recognized for his service.

Fran was a lifelong member of the Elks Club, a longtime member of the Kiwanis Club of De Pere, and a dedicated volunteer at Bellin Hospital for 20 years.

He is survived by his children: Martin (Denise) Webber of Green Bay, Wisconsin; Scott Webber of Vernon Hills, Illinois; and Liza (Steve) Quigley of De Pere, Wisconsin; as well as his grandchildren, Conrad and Melana Webber, and Brett Quigley. Fran is also survived by many special friends, including, Harry Woodman-his oldest friendship spanning more than 85 years-and Don Haupt...you were there for our dad. Thank you for everything you did for our father over the years; he treasured your friendships deeply.

Fran was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Marietta Webber; his parents, Ernest and Blanche Webber; his sisters, Nancy Kehoe and Rita Donovan; and his nephew, Kevin Kehoe.

A private family service will be held and a memorial fund has been established in Francis and Marietta Webber's name.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Moments Hospice, especially Tammie, for her care and compassion, the staff at Bellevue Senior Living, and the Green Bay V.A., for outstanding healthcare over the years. We also wish to recognize our angels on earth, LaDonna and Niecy Pippin. We could not have gotten through this without you. The love and care you showed both our parents will remain in our hearts always.

Rest easy dad, we've got this.