Francis "Fran" D. Pietsch

Francis D. Pietsch “Fran,” 82, Denmark, WI, passed away on April 3, 2024, at Bellin Hospital. Francis was born on July 20, 1941, in Menominee, MI to Francis L. and Marian (Sindelar) Pietsch.

Fran graduated from Menominee High School class of 1959. While in high school, he became interested in printing and it became his chosen career. He attended Ferris Institute in Lower Michigan and Stout State University in Wisconsin to continue his education in the printing industry.

In 1964, Fran moved to Denmark, WI to work at Brown County Publishing Company. In 1991, he became president of the company, a position he held until his retirement. While working at Brown County Publishing, he met Mary Newman, a coworker, and they were married on October 15, 1977, and shared 46 happy years together.

Fran was a member of All Saints Catholic Church in Denmark and the Denmark Lions Club. Fran’s favorite holiday was November 15th each year – opening day of the Michigan deer hunting season; he seldom missed a year at camp.

Fran was also a lucky ticket holder who attended the Packer Ice Bowl game in 1967. But the highlight of his life was flying the British Airways Concorde from E.A.A. in Oshkosh to London, England in 1988 and touring England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. His return to the United States was aboard the Queen Elizabeth II sailing from Southampton, England to New York. He also enjoyed spending time with his beloved doxie, Ruby.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Mary. He is also survived by his brother Ray, Menominee, MI; his brother Jon (Judi) Pietsch, Denmark, WI; his sister Mary (George) Brudi, Marinette, WI; brother-in-law Joseph Newman; sister-in-law Marcella Novak; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Fran was preceded in death by his parents; godson Jason Pietsch; father-in-law and mother-in-law Hilbert and Clara Newman; sister-in-law Doris Newman; brother-in-law Gerald Novak; and also one of his favorite little dachshunds, Simon, and Buzz, his border collie.

Fran was a Type I insulin-dependent diabetic for 67 years, but he never allowed it to rule his life.

Family and friends may visit at All Saints Catholic Church in Denmark on Wednesday, April 10, from 9:30am until 11:15am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30am with Fr. Xavier Amirtham, O.Praem officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Cotter Funeral and Cremation Care is assisting the family.

The family would like to thank Bellin Hospital, the nurses and CNAs on One South, and Unity Hospice for their exceptional care and kindness.