Obituary: Jean E. Van Frachen

Jean E. Van Frachen, age 78, loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away on Friday, January 28, 2022 at Bellin Medical Center in Green Bay.

Jean was born on September 17, 1943, in Green Bay, daughter of the late Merlin and Mildred (Johansen) Andersen. She graduated from Green Bay East High School, 1961. One of her first jobs was on the napkin machine at Fort Howard Paper Mill. She met Larry A. Van Frachen when he was on leave from the Air Force. They were married June 8, 1968 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Howard. Jean and Larry had three children: Mark, Peter and Heidi.

While raising her family in Chilton, Jean was active in her community by serving as a Cub Scout Den Mother, District Scout Executive in the Bay Lakes Council and taught catechism at St. Augustine Parish. Community service was a lifelong endeavor for Jean. She was a member of the Chilton Kiwanis Club, Brillion Senior Meals on Wheels Coordinator and the City of Brillion Municipal Judge for many years.

Jean enjoyed a variety of hobbies and recreational activities: crocheting, traveling, camping, bowling and watching the Packers, Brewers, Badgers and Bucks! She made awesome chocolate chip cookies and loved to eat cheesecake and ice cream. But, the most important thing in Jean's life was her family, and she loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband: Larry Van Frachen, Brillion; their three children and spouses: Mark (Sara) of Neenah, Peter (Jen) of Muskego, and Heidi (Steve) Brown of Chaska, MN; grandchildren: Ryan, Emma, Samantha, Logan, and Alexandra; sisters-in-law: Beth Andersen of Watertown, WI, Judy Van Frachen of Vass, NC, Susan Warner of Lena, WI, and Peggy Miller of Little Suamico, WI; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. She was preceded in death by her three brothers: Keith, David, and Charles Andersen; her father-in-law and mother-in-law: Joseph and Helen Van Frachen, and other relatives.

Cremation has taken place. Inurnment will be at Nicolet Memorial Park, Bay Settlement Rd., Green Bay, WI.

A memorial gathering will take place at a later date.

The Pielhop Wieting Funeral Home is assisting Jean’s Family with arrangements. www.pielhopwieting.com

A memorial fund has been established in the name of Jean Van Frachen.