Franklin John Gotchy

Franklin J. Gotchy, 84, Kronenwetter, died Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at home.

Frank was born to the late Phillip and Thelma (Hessey) Gotchy on Nov. 30, 1939, in the town of Schofield. He was the eldest of eight children. He was raised in the town of Schofield, graduated from D.C. Everest High School in 1957. After graduating, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy.  After basic training, he was called to service in Norfolk, VA, at the Naval Base there. After being honorably discharged in 1962, he met and married Jeannette Wilkowski of Bevent on Sept. 15, 1962. Shortly after that, they settled down on a small farm in the village of Kronenwetter in 1965 and that is where they worked on the small hobby farm raising beef and produce for their family. Frank worked for 31 years at Graphic Packaging until his retirement in 2004. After his retirement, Frank and Jeannette spent a lot of time at their cottage in the town of Winchester. Frank also spent a lot of time working alongside his son and grandsons on the hobby farm and making plenty of firewood. He enjoyed gardening and prided himself on keeping the garden free of weeds. Frank taught all his children and grandchildren how to work for what you want in life but to enjoy all the little things too. He did just that by hunting, fishing, playing cards and sampling Jeannette’s baking.

 Frank will be greatly missed by his wife of 61 years, Jeannette; Son, Ted (Bonnie) Gotchy; Daughters, Sue (Donald) Hytry and Patty (Dennis) Hytry; grandchildren, Jackie (John) Wendorski, Jake (Nikki) Gotchy, Jeff (Tracy) Syring, Dawn (Emmanuel) Pospyhalla, Aaron, Brandon, Derek and Alyssa Hytry; great-grandchildren, Emma, Savannah and Cheyanne Pospyhalla; Sister, Paulie, Peggy and Lori; and his dog, Smokey, who brought him lots of enjoyment in the last years. He is preceded in death by his parents, Thelma and Phil; a son, Jon Gotchy; siblings, Sharon, Sandy, Rocky, and Lynn; and in-laws, Helen and Joseph Wilkowski.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, at St. Ladislaus Catholic Church, Hatley. The Rev. Augustin Bentil will officiate. The family will receive friends from 9 a.m., until the time of service all at the church. Beste Funeral Home, Mosinee, assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.bestefh.com.