Frances Mathias

Beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Frances “Fran” Mathias (née Blommel) died May 30, 2023, surrounded by family after a long struggle with Alzheimer's.

Born to Joseph and Helen Blommel of Racine, WI on March 14,1940, she graduated from St. Catherine’s High School in 1959. She married William “Bill” Mathias of upper Michigan in 1961 and together they raised three children: Billy, Tommy and Susie. During this time she worked part-time for Racine Unified School District as a “lunch lady” at Starbuck Junior High and then at J.I. Case High School. She was an active member of St. Paul the Apostle and Holy Name Catholic Parishes before retiring with Bill to De Pere, WI in 2001.

Her deep faith in God, devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and love of the Franciscans, shaped her service to others. She was a scout leader, a church usher, a literacy volunteer, and supported countless charities including the Maryknoll missions. She was known by those who loved her for her kindness and hospitality.

Fran created a wonderful family life with magical holidays, joyous birthdays, great meals, handmade garments, and a home where her kids and their friends wanted to be. Fran loved nature, especially her many pets, going fishing, seeing wildlife and watching the birds at her feeders and bird houses. She also loved bingo, gardening, crafting, puzzles, dancing, dressing up, traveling and time at the trailer on Pioneer Lake – purchased as a result of her $800 stock investment that made it big!

Fran is survived by her spouse Bill and their three children William (Nancy) Mathias of De Pere, WI., Thomas (Laurie) Mathias of Darlington, WI., and Susan (Todd) Mottl of Green Bay, WI., as well as grandchildren Samantha Mathias (fiancé Stephen Yuen), Elizabeth (Brandon) Stecklein, Rebecca (Garth) Garrison, Kathleen Mathias, Matthew (Jessica) Mottl and Nicole (Heidi) Mottl, as well as three great grandchildren.

Fran is preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Helen Blommel, sisters Blanche (Eugene) Nowak and Katherine (Eugene) Horn and brothers Joseph (Arlene) Blommel and George (Anne/Donna) Blommel, as well as her dear aunts, Franciscan Sisters Charles and Antonette Blommel.

A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for noon on Friday, June 9th at Resurrection Catholic Parish, 333 Hilltop Drive in Green Bay, WI. Visitation will take place from 10:00-11:45 AM just prior to Mass. A lunch and private interment will immediately follow Mass.

The family extends their deepest appreciation to all the staff and caregivers at Woodside Manor and Unity Hospice for their loving care of Fran.