Frances Jane (Barrett) Ziemendorf

Frances Jane Ziemendorf, 90, beautiful wife, mother, grandmother, and "Gigi" went home to be with the Lord on April 10, 2023. She was surrounded by her loving family at The House of the Dove, Marshfield, WI.

The youngest of six girls, Fran was born to Luander and Olga (Johnson) Barrett in New Milford, IL at her Grandpa Johnson's home. She received her education at Rockford East High, in Rockford, IL. She enjoyed teaching Sunday school and singing duets with the choir.  Fran worked several manufacturing jobs in Rockford. There she met the love of her life, Lloyd Ziemendorf. They were married April 4, 1957. After moving to the township of Sherwood, WI in 1960 they purchased and operated a longtime family business, "The Sherwood Store". After closing the business in 1972, Fran was employed doing seasonal work.  She was an active member and past board member of the City Point Community Church, and a former member of the American Legion Auxiliary.  She and her husband enjoyed traveling and occasionally camping. They recognized the greatest joys in life were simple pleasures. She so enjoyed preparing and serving a meal for a family gathering, playing ball with the kids in the backyard, roasting hotdogs and marshmallows while watching her family skating on the pond, and long late night chats catching up with her sisters.  

Fran is survived by her three children: Wendy (Mark) Behselich of Pittsville, Robert Ziemendorf (companion Patty) of Neillsville, and Steven (Linda) Ziemendorf of Pittsville. She is further survived by five grandchildren and four step-grandchildren; Matthew (Rebekah) Grutzik, Dustin (Jennifer) Grutzik, Amy Vargas, Bradley (Marissa) Ziemendorf, Briana (Jared) Fox, Michelle (Tony) Arnone, Tina Behselich, Brad (Sarra) Behselich, and Traci (Sean) Vaski. She was also blessed with 10 great- grandchildren, 11 step-great grandchildren and two step great- great- grandchildren.  Fran was predeceased by her husband Lloyd on April 20, 2011, her parents, five sisters and their spouses, and several nieces and nephews.

If you knew Mom, you knew that she loved many things in life but nothing more than her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and her family and friends. She found great joy in feeding and watching the birds in her beautiful yard, along with growing a garden and a multitude of flowers. Music...how she loved music; country gospel and old church hymns were her favorite. Singing was a daily occurrence and how she could harmonize! Even when her voice grew weak, she whispered the words to her favorite songs.  Mom was an amazing woman. She worked hard, and loved deeply. She was truly a caregiver, always patient, nurturing, selfless and gentle yet strong and fiercely independent; a friend to everyone she met. She was a great listener and easy for anyone to visit with. She will always be remembered for her quick wit and hilarious "one liners".   

We would like to give a special, deeply heartfelt thanks to Fred and Kathy Parker who throughout the years have become family. Thank you to the entire City Point Community Church family and especially to her "City Point girls". Your love and friendship was priceless to her and she cherished the road trips and spending time with you. Also a special thanks to the compassionate, professional, personalized caregiving staff at The House of the Dove! There aren't words to express our gratitude. And to Anna...who could always make Mom laugh. Thank you for bringing so much joy into her life! 

Mom, you left us with the most beautiful memories, your love is still our guide, although we cannot see you, you're always at our side.  You will be dearly missed by all of us. Our lives won't be the same without you but we take comfort in knowing you're safely home!  Forever in our hearts - until we meet again.

Fran’s life will be celebrated on April 20th, 2023 at the City Point Community Church, City Point, WI with Pastor Fred Parker officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 – 11:00 am with funeral service to follow.  Committal service and interment will take place at the Sherwood Cemetery immediately following the funeral service.  Dinner will be served at the City Point Community Center. 

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