Frances Therese Jaks (Kielkucki)

Frances T. Jaks, age 91, of Thorp died in the Palliative Care Unit at Ministry St. Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield on Monday, October 11, 2010.

Funeral services were held on Friday October 15, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Bernard-St. Hedwig Catholic Church in Thorp. Rev. Keith Apfelbeck officiated and burial followed in St. Bernard’s Catholic Cemetery. 

Pallbearers were: Charles Wincek, Josh Olson, David Flores, Shawn Neuenfeldt, Jerry Jacks, and Ed Mielech. Visitation was held on Thursday, October 14, 2010 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Thorp Funeral Home with a 7:00 p.m. rosary.  Visitation was also held on Friday, October 15, 2010 from 1:00 p.m. until time of service at  the church.

Frances Therese Kielkucki was born on March 9, 1919 in St. Paul, MN, the daughter of Andrew and Stella (Kowalski) Kielkucki.  She graduated from St. Casimer’s High School in St. Paul in 1937.

She worked as a bookkeeper until her marriage on May 3, 1947, to Stephen Jaks.  She went from a city girl to farm wife and raised her family.  In 1968, she went to work as a bookkeeper for Thorp Pipe and Supply.  After her retirement, she did some traveling and became an active volunteer at the Thorp Area Senior Center. Additionally, her love of theater led her to become a member of the 60 Plus Club.  She was a member of St. Bernard-St. Hedwig Catholic Church for many years.  She remained active and involved with family and friends until her death.

Frances is survived by her four children: Margaret (Allen) Ruchotzke of El Paso, TX, Mary (Jim) Dircks of Stanley, WI, Rita (Steve) Reischel of Evansville, WI and Betty (Kevin) Fleming of Athens, WI.  She is also survived by eight grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Stephen; three brothers: Thomas, John, and Edward Kielkucki; and one sister, Bernice Mielech.

Frances was a woman of strong faith. She loved life and all who touched her. She will be greatly missed.