Therese Jane Francke

Therese Jane Francke

September 28, 1932 - April 18, 2005

Therese Jane Francke

September 28, 1932 - April 18, 2005

Obituary

Jane Francke 72, devoted wife, beloved mother, cherished grandmother and treasured friend passed away in Los Angles, CA on Monday April 18, 2005 after a two-year battle with cancer. Born in Franklin, New Jersey September 28, 1932 to Myrtle and Lou Kulsar, Jane graduated from Franklin High School in 1949; attended the New Jersey College for Women from where she graduated in 1953; followed by her marriage to Second Lieutenant Bill Francke in 1954. Three wonderful children, Brad, Dave and Mary Beth followed over the next eight years and became a focal point in Jane’s life. Embracing her role as the wife of a career military man, Jane immersed herself in many aspects of military life, including being recognized as Air Force Wife of the Year at Westover Air Force Base in 1974. Over the 27 years of Bill’s military career, Jane was actively involved at every base that they were assigned to, becoming a mentor and confidant to many military wives and their families during that time. She was also extremely active in the civilian community, so much so that a tree was planted in Jerusalem by the Hadassah, a Jewish Women’s group in Portsmouth, New Hampshire that Jane helped in many ways during Bill’s assignment as Base Commander at Pease Air Force Base. The Portsmouth Herald wrote about Jane, ‘Can you possibly comprehend the extent to which your time could be in constant demand by others, not only from every conceiveable corner of your base, but also from your immediate civilian community. Any group would find it difficult to equate a lady of Jane Francke’s personal dedication to any they have ever known in her position as wife of the Base Commander.’ After moving into 23 different homes and living in various parts of the country over a twenty-three year period, Jane and Bill moved to Redwood Tree Lane in Irvine, CA during the fall of 1976. Shortly thereafter, Jane began a twenty year career in the retail business, finishing her career at I. Magnin in Newport Beach as the manager of the St. John Knits department. More importantly, she continued her service activities by generously donating her time to charitable organizations such as Casa Teresa, a home for unwed expectant mothers and the Irvine Medical Center, where she was actively involved in the creative design and daily operation of their gift shop, being recognized by the hospital as one of their outstanding volunteers. Jane also served as Chairperson on the Architectural Board of their housing association in Irvine for many years, retiring from that role in 2004. Many treasured friendships developed over the years and Jane made sure each one of their friends and family was always kept abreast of all Francke family developments. She created ‘Jane’s Christmas Letter’, as everyone affectionately referred to it, which has become legendaryin the annals of holiday communications, filling hundreds of households annually with a recap of all the Francke family news for the past year. Jane and Bill shared many wonderful experiences over their fifty year marriage, highlighted by the births of their ten grandchildren, whom Jane deeply loved. A strong woman of faith, she exhibited a Christian spirit that was an inspiration to everyone who knew her. Jane was blessed with many talents, too numerous to mention, but will always be remembered as a caring, selfless person, with an unbelievable sense of style…a true woman of dignity.
She will be deeply missed by her husband Bill; their children Brad Francke, Dave Francke and Mary Beth Walsdorf; grandchildren Matthew Francke, Allison Francke, Michael Francke, Kevin Francke, Colleen Francke, Christopher Francke, Brian Francke, Joseph Walsdorf, Peter Walsdorf and Jane Walsdorf; Daughters-in-law Kelly Francke and Clare Francke; Son-in-law Jack Walsdorf; two surviving brothers, Lou Kulsar and Bill Kulsar and many other friends and family. ‘May your Strength give us Strength…May your Faith give us Faith…May your Hope give us Hope…May your Love bring us Love’

Jane Francke-Celebration of Life-Schedule:

Sun 4/24 6-9 pm Visitation and Vigil Vigil/Rosary 7-7:30:
O’Connor Laguna Hills Mortuary
25301 Alicia Parkway
Laguna Hills, California 92653
949-581-4300
Toll Free: 877-872-2736
www.oconnormortuary.com

Monday 4/25 Funeral Mass 10:00:
ST. Elizabeth Ann Seton
9 Hillgate
Irvine, CA 92612-3265
Phone 949 854-1000
Fax 949 854-0079

Burial Service immediately following Mass approx 12:00:
Holy Sepulcher Cemetery
7845 Santiago Canyon Road
Orange, CA 92669
714 532-6551

Lunch Reception following Burial Service Approx 12:45:
Orange Hill Restaurant, 6410 E Chapman Ave Orange CA 92869 714 997-2910
Restaurant is located at top of hill up long driveway called Cliff Drive-coming  from Cemetery go left on to Santiago Canyon out of cemetery  then right on Newport Blvd then right on Chapman to restaurant.The major cross street before you get to restaurant driveway is Orange Park Road-restaurant driveway is on left side of Chapman it is real hard to see just after passing Orange Park Road and after passing the large hill.

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38 responses to Therese Jane Francke

  1. We, too, are heartbroken and sad about Mrs. Franke’s passing. We wish we could take the sadness and heartache away from the entire family who love Mrs. Franke and are loved by her. I will never forget her holding our baby Veronica in our living room, Mrs. Franke was so proud of us, as if she was our own mother. Her children and grandchildren are a great example of the type of person she was and the loving impression she has left in this world.
    We send our love and prayers to the entire family.
    We love you, MaryBeth!!!!

  2. Dear Bill and Family,

    Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. We all share the fondest memories of dear Jane and your happy times spent in Cornwall, not forgetting our breif trips across the Atlantic pond, espicially Mary Beth and Jacks unforgetable wedding. Jane made us feel very welcome and part of your wounderfull family. Her kindness and warming smile will always remain in our memories forever.

  3. Bill & Family:
    Stephanie and I are so very sorry for your loss, which is also our loss. Jane meant so much to the Thompson family and I have always enjoyed hearing how the Francke’s were doing. I’ll always remember Jane’s vibrance, caring ways, and of course her neverending friendship.

    Warm regards,

    Troy Anderson

  4. We got to know Bill and Jane over the years during their frequent visits to Southbury.
    We were always taken by their happiness with each other and the love they shared with their children and grandchildren.

  5. Nancy Hulme says:

    There are some wonderful times remembered with my Aunt Jane. When I was very young I thought she was a fairy princess in her wedding gown, so tiny and beautiful..I recxall Craigville beach with the few things that my mom and Aunt Jane needed for a day at the beach with babies and young kids! I had such a wonderful time visiting in Ca. in 1972, Disney,Universal City and Mexico, but best times were the late night chats with Aunt Jane watching her do yet another days work or complete a project into the wee hours of morning. She taught me some useful and creative crafts.I knew I could never achieve the level of excellence she produced, but enjoyed the learned skill. She was ever the amazing person. My love and prayers, Nancy

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