Frances “Fran” Grosskreutz

Frances Grosskreutz, age 93, of Big Bend, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2026, with her family by her side.

Fran was born on August 26, 1932, in Stratford, Wisconsin, to the late Anthony and Cherubim (Fry) Stack. Following high school, she began her career at Employers Mutual in Wausau. In 1954, she married Darrell Grosskreutz, and together they made their home in the Milwaukee area. Darrell preceded her in death on September 12, 2001. Fran worked for many years as a keypunch operator at M&I Bank before retiring in 1999.

Fran was a devoted mother to Debbie (Larry) of Wausau, the late Dale (Sandy) of New Berlin, and Ron (MaryJo) of Big Bend. She was a proud and loving grandmother to David (Melissa), Amy, Randy (Christa), Jesse (Tiffany), Eric (Rachel), Steven (Victoria), Mike, and John (Paige). She was also blessed with six great-grandchildren, who brought her tremendous joy. She is further survived by her sister, Patricia (Jim) Pautzke of Marshfield; sisters-in-law Mary (Tom) Stack of Stratford and Mary (Jerome) Stack of Stratford; as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

In addition to her husband, Darrell, and her son, Dale, Fran was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Marion Draeger, Joan Manthey, and Elaine Pilgrim; brothers Tom, Jerome, William, and Leonard Stack; brothers-in-law Reiny Draeger, Leo Manthey, and Bud Pilgrim.

Fran embraced life with enthusiasm and energy. She enjoyed golfing, tennis, pickleball, square dancing, round dancing, line dancing, water skiing, and snow skiing. She was an active member of the Vagabond Ski Club and the West Allis Senior Center, where she formed many lasting friendships. After Darrell’s passing, she found companionship with Al Benton, and they shared 15 wonderful years together until his passing in 2017.

Fran will be remembered for her warm heart, active spirit, love of family, and the joy she found in spending time with those she loved. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

The family sincerely thanks the caring staff of Allay Hospice and Waterford Place for the compassion, kindness, and exceptional care they provided to Fran and her family. A special and heartfelt thank you goes to Rose, whose extraordinary compassion and unwavering support meant so much to all of us.

Visitation 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM, with service at 10:30 AM, on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at Krause Funeral Home, 12401 West National Avenue, New Berlin, Wisconsin. Urn burial to follow at Highland Memorial Park in New Berlin, Wisconsin.

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