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- Francis X. Rechner, age 92, life-long resident of Appleton, passed away the morning of November 17, 2016 at Brewster Village. He lived a loving and fulfilled life. He was a member of St. Joseph Parish in Appleton. Fran was born August 5, 1924 to the late Louis and Genevieve (Alberty) Rechner. He attended St. Joseph Grade School followed by St. Mary Menasha High School. In December of 1942, Fran joined the Army Air Force and served as a Radio Gunner Operator on a B24. On his 13th mission during a bombing raid over Vienna, Austria, Fran was captured by the German's after jumping out of his plane. He was taken prisoner to Stalag 17b, Cremes, Austria and remained there until the end of the War (13 months). He achieved rank as a Staff Sargent. Upon returning to the United States, Fran married Ilamae Ries, April 19, 1947. Together they had 5 children. They were married for 57 years.
Fran worked for the Appleton Post Office as a mail carrier for 33 years. He volunteered at St. Joseph Food Pantry and The St. Vincent DePaul Society. Fran enjoyed fishing, woodworking, his cottage at Silver Lake, laughter, family and friends. His Catholic faith was an important part of his life.
Fran is survived by his 5 children: Susan (John) Louchheim, Colchester, VT, Dr. Stephen (Susan) Rechner, Ada, MI, Genevieve (Dr. Peter) Gordon, Omaha, NE, Sarah Rechner, Greenville, and Martha (Dr. David LeCloux) Rechner, Crivitz; 11 grandchildren: John, Christopher, and Benjamin Louchheim, Dr. Benjamin and Francis Rechner, Allison McCart, Sara Stoller, and Emily Gordon, Emily and Molly Robison, and Jesse Dolan; 22 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Sister Jean Louise Rechner, S.S.N.D. of Elm Grove, WI. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews.
Fran was preceded in death by his parents Louis and Genevieve Rechner; his loving wife, Ilamae (2006); 3 brothers: Robert, John, and Carl; and 2 sisters: Helen Alferi and Rita Heideman.
A Mass of Resurrection will take place at 10:30 am on Saturday, January 28, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 404 W. Lawrence St., Appleton, with Father James Leary OFM Cap officiating. Full Military Honors performed by Appleton Legion Post #38 will immediately follow. Friends may visit at the church on Saturday from 9 am until the time of service. Entombment will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in honor of Francis Rechner to Brewster Village, Homestead Level 2, 3300 W. Brewster St. Appleton, WI 54914.
The family of Fran would like to thank and acknowledge the staff of Brewster Village for all of their love and care extended to him and remind them, "Don't be a mailman!"
Love you Pa!
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1924 - 2016 (92 years)
