Francis J Schaller

Francis "Fran" J. Schaller, 78, of La Crosse died peacefully and suddenly on Wednesday, November 6, 2013, in his home. His family was able to be there with him to say goodbye. He was born June 23, 1935, in Independence, WI son of Arthur and Clara (Kwosek) Schaller. Fran was a 1953 graduate of West Salem High School. In October 1956, he married Georgina Richmond at St. James Catholic Church in La Crosse. He was employed at Trane Company in La Crosse for 44 years from 1953 until his retirement in 1997.

Fran enjoyed going out for dinner, taking care of his yard and driveway, gardening, especially red geraniums, deer hunting, spending time with friends at the Moose Lodge and Eagles Club, Oktoberfest events and the Grenadier Corps, watching the Packer and Brewer games, and spending time with family. Survivors include his special friend Joan Calloway; his five children James (Rita) Schaller, Terry (JoAnn) Schaller, Robert (Barbara) Schaller, Mark Schaller, and Jayne (Neil) Swingen; his six grandchildren Jessica (Neal), Dianne (David), Jason, Stephanie, Gus, and Lou; his four great grandchildren Wesley, Hope, Dawson, and Graeley; three sisters, Joanne Herbert, Elizabeth Staff (Ray Kline), and Aletta (Don) Vian; five brothers John (Marion) Schaller, Douglas (Mary) Schaller, Arthur (Maxine) Schaller, Michael (Lynda) Schaller, and Randy Schaller; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Carla Korish, Ervin and Hazel Janisch, Mary Horton, Wayne and Karen Sherry, Karen Schaller, many nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members, and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife of 27 years Georgina Schaller; his parents Arthur and Clara; his mother in-law and father in-law George and Hazel Richmond; one sister Maybelle Konrad; one brother William Schaller; a great grandson Derrick; five brothers-in-law, Jack Herbert, John Konrad, Clifton Staff, Erwin Korish, Mark Horton; and friend Anita Evenson. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, November 11, 2013 at 11:00 AM at St. James the Less Catholic Church. Rev. Robert J. Schaller will officiate. Burial will be in the French Island Cemetery. Friends may call at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral & Cremation Service of La Crosse on Sunday from 4:00 7:00 PM and at the church on Monday from 10:00 AM until the time of services.