Frances Amelia Maxinoski

DULTUTH, Minn. - Frances Amelia Maxinoski (nee Krpan) joyfully went to be in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in heaven, at the age of 92 on Feb. 15, 2021.

Born on Good Friday, April 6, 1928, to Jacob and Anna Krpan in Montreal, Wisconsin, Fran was excited to tell others that she was born on Trimble Hill, in the house that she lived in her whole life. She attended elementary school in her hometown and attended Hurley High School. She met her adoring husband, Alex - also a Montreal resident - and dated before and while he was serving in the U.S. Navy, during World War II. They married on July 9, 1946, at Montreal's Sacred Heart Catholic Church and were together for 36 years, until Alex's home-going in February 1983.

She is survived by her loving children, Dennis of Montreal, Dan (Jill) of Marshfield, Wisconsin, Brian (Bess) of Montreal, and Karen (Steve) Wilkin of Ironwood, Michigan; her six grandchildren, Dani (Brandon) Hasz, Alex (Rita), Seth (Olivia), Paul, Stephen and Breanna Maxinoski; her four great-grandchildren, Camryn and Evelyn Hasz, Finley and (soon-to-arrive) Madelyn Maxinoski. She is also survived by two sisters, Rose Reitz and Jeanette Jankowski, as well as many nieces, nephews, church family and friends.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Alexander (Olish); brothers Thomas, Joseph, Frank and Raymond; and sisters, Mary Warzynski, Katherine LaVerdure, Louise White, Eva Celletti, Isabelle Sampson, and Lorraine Krpan.

Fran was a wise, contemplative woman of great, unwavering faith - devoting her life to serving family and friends and praying daily for each one of them. An exceptional cook and creative baker, her creations and gift of hospitality blessed many. Preparing and serving coffee and her delicious desserts to company and to church family gave her such joy! She was a Packer fan, had a mischievous sense of humor, enjoyed gardening and canning, and was an avid deer hunter up until the age of 80 - many times "bagging" the biggest rack buck at the camp.

In her younger years, she was an exceptional athlete, especially in basketball. There are stories told of her ability to swish baskets from center court. She always had a beautiful singing voice - whether to sing her favorite song "Majesty" or to duet with her hubby around the house as he played the guitar. Mom also excelled in mathematics, writing (especially daily letters to her loved ones), and managing a household and budget. In high school, Fran loved playing the drums and a variety of brass instruments in bands and orchestras, performing for special occasions at the Oglebay Norton Mining Company's Recreational Facility - The Hamilton Club - in Montreal.

Fran adored children, creatively and passionately teaching children's Sunday school classes for 26 consecutive years. She was a founding member of Range Community Bible Church in Hurley, taught women's Bible studies and children's Vacation Bible School, directed the prayer chain and communion ministries, coordinated and served each week in the Sunday morning hospitality ministry, and was always ready with her listening ear and words of encouragement. One of her favorite Bible verses was John 3:16, and she called Jesus' gift of salvation by grace, "The greatest love story that we will ever know."

Her compassionate, kind, loving heart of service, understanding of grace, wise advice, and the power of prayer - along with her warm smile and ever-ready hugs - will live on in numerous hearts. Mom was an extraordinary, nurturing, loving mother, and she consistently put us and everyone else first. We love her so much! If we ever needed anything, she was always there for her family - and she will be deeply missed far more than words can express. In life, when anyone asked how she was doing, Mom would always respond, "Wonderful in Jesus!" What great comfort it is for us to know that our dear mother and grandmother is now wonderfully with Jesus!

A private service for family members will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, at Range Community Bible Church in Hurley. A public celebration-of-life service will follow at a later date to be determined, also at Range Community Bible Church.

Mom's desire was to help others and requested that, in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her memory to the Iron County Food Pantry, 72 Michigan Ave., Montreal, WI 54550.

The family has chosen McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home of Ironwood to honor Frances' legacy of life. You can leave a condolence or a tribute at mckevitpatrickfuneralhome.com.