Frances Therese Brauch was born on June 1, 1921 in Bayonne, New Jersey. Her parents were James and Mary (O'Connell) Sullivan. Fran passed away on Thursday afternoon, April 12, at the Staples Care Center at 85 years of age.
Fran married Sgt. Joseph Brauch on October 19, 1946 at St. Mary of the Sea Catholic Church in Baynonne, NJ. Joe passed away this past September. The couple moved to Wadena in 1962. They lived at Ottertail and Perham following Joe's retirement. Fran moved to the Staples Care Center in 2004. Fran was a member of the VFW Auxiliary, American Legion Auxiliary, TOPS, and KOPS. She was a homemaker who enjoyed knitting, crocheting, playing piano, and playing cards. Fran especially enjoyed the time spent with family and friends.
Fran is survived by her daughters, Mary Beth (Al) Dolezal of Verndale and Regina (Ray) Bleimeyer of Rochester; sons, James (Carolyn) of Lockport, IL, Joseph Jr. (Yong) of Fayetteville, NC, and Robert (Jane) of Savage; 13 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Lori Brauch of Ottertail. Fran is preceded in death by her husband, Joseph; parents, James and Mary; sisters, Helen, Mary, Margaret, Agnes, and Charlotte; great granddaughter, Emily Rist; and brother-in-law, John Brauch.
The funeral mass was held Wednesday, April 18, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Wadena with Fr. Donald Wagner celebrating. The interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Wadena. Honorary pallbearers will be Fran's grandchildren and great grandchildren. The pallbearers will be Anthony Dolezal, Christopher Dolezal, Tim Rist, Rick Hable, Gregg Lentz, and James Peterson.
