Francis A. Linsmeier, age 91 of the Town of Cato, passed away Monday morning February 5, 2024, at Froedtert Holy Family Memorial Medical Center in Manitowoc.
Francis was born April 7, 1932, in the Town of Manitowoc Rapids, son of the late Frank and Mary (Irlbeck) Linsmeier. He attended St, Michael Catholic Grade School in Whitelaw. On March 20, 1956, Francis joined the United States Navy, serving as an airplane jet mechanic, until his honorable discharge on October 21, 1957. On November 12, 1960, Francis was married to Marie E. Hein at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Manitowoc. She preceded him in death on June 7, 1993. The couple farmed in the Town of Cato from March 19, 1960, until he semi-retired in 2000. Francis also drove milk truck for Stecker Cheese and worked as a mechanic in the Town of Manitowoc Rapids. He later drove school bus for the Valders School District and worked at the Town of Cato recycling center until 2020. He enjoyed traveling, bee keeping and playing sheepshead. In the past he was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church-Alverno.
Survivors include his eight children: Paul Linsmeier, Cato, Rose Linsmeier, Cato, Roger Linsmeier, Manitowoc, Ann Dufek, Whitelaw, Nancy Linsmeier, Cato, Jean (Ray) Kleckner, Two Rivers, Pat (Michelle) Linsmeier, Cato, and JoAnn (Ron) Rathsack, Cato; four grandchildren: Nichole (Jesse) Long, Matthew Kleckner, Ashley Kleckner, and Collin Rathsack; two sisters and brothers-in-law: Margaret (Paul) Neuser, Manitowoc, and Theresa (James) Toedter, FL; two sisters-in-law: Dorothy Linsmeier, Manitowoc, and Martha Linsmeier, Manitowoc; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends survive. He was preceded in death by his parents: Frank and Mary Linsmeier; his wife: Marie Linsmeier; one son-in-law: Richard Dufek; Nancy’s fiancé: Mike Ryder; five brothers and three sisters-in-law: Norbert Linsmeier, Christopher (Rita) Linsmeier, Al (Elaine) Linsmeier, Joe (Patricia) Linsmeier, and Clement Linsmeier; and one sister and brother-in-law: Catherine (Edward) Goehring.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Clarks Mills. The Rev. Richard Klingeisen will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial, with burial to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Alverno. Military Honors will be accorded by American legion Drews-Bleser Post #88 of Manitowoc. Relatives and friends may call at the church on Saturday from 9:00 AM until the time of Mass at 11:00 AM.
The Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Reinbold & Pfeffer of Kellnersville is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com
