I want to extend my deepest sympathy. The aging process is so difficult to deal with, whether it be ourselves or our loved ones. This was not part of our loving Father’s will for us. We were to live forever – free of all the sickness, pain, and death we face each and everyday. But soon God’s purpose is going to become a reality as brought out at Revelation 21:4. We also have the marvelous hope of the resurrection; being able to see those we have lost in death, once again, here on earth as Acts 24:15 says. I do hope you find some comfort in these words.
Francis A. "Fran" Wilmes
April 14, 1924 – November 4, 2018
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 9, 2018 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Sartell for Francis A. “Fran” Wilmes, age 94 of Sartell who passed away on Sunday, November 4, 2018 at the St. Cloud V.A. Hospital. Reverend Timothy Baltes will officiate. Entombment will take place at Assumption Cemetery Mausoleum in St. Cloud.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday and after 10:00 a.m. on Friday both at the St. Francis Xavier Gathering Space in Sartell. Parish prayers will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday at the church in Sartell.
Fran was born April 14, 1924 in St. Cloud to John and Lenore (Kreber) Wilmes. He served honorably in the United States Air Force. Fran married Dona Schnettler on June 16, 1948 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in St. Cloud. He worked the majority of his life for the Great Northern Railroad. He was a member of the St. Cloud V.F.W. Granite Post #428, the St. Cloud Knights of Columbus Council #961, the St. Cloud Fourth Degree, Father Pierz Assembly #530, the Crosier Apostolate, and St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Fran was devoted to his wife Dona who passed away in 2011 with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Fran enjoyed traveling to see family, fishing, woodworking, helped found the Great North Rail Legacy Museum, obtaining his pilots license, and in his later years daily religious practices.
He is survived by his sons, Jim (Deb) of White Bear Lake, John (Vianna Myles) of Ewen, MI and Craig (Jovita Madrigal) of Modesto, CA; daughter, Janet (Tom Hafnor) of Durango, CO; three grandchildren, Ted (Anne Cowell), Katie Gotterbarn (Shaun) and Grace Wilmes; two great granddaughters; siblings, Patrica Voghtman, Betty Buermann (Joe), Rosie Theisen (Rom); and many nieces and nephews.
Fran was preceded in death by his parents; brother and sisters, Richard Wilmes, Mary Osgood, Margaret Kirchner, and Theresa Mae Wilmes.
Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers.
Guestbook
My sympathy to the Wilmes family. Your Dad seemed happiest when he was outdoors. Janet, you were a such a wonderful caregiver to your Dad. How lucky he was.
Jim and Family, We’re sorry for your loss. 94 is a nice long life giving you lots of memories to cherish. All of us at Bay State Milling are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
It is quite appropriate that your mom and dad are laid to rest in the same mausoleum as Hank and Harriet. Neighbors forever.
Jim and John and family: I am so sorry to find out about your dad.
We have so many memories of him and your mom Dona. He was one of dad’s best friends.
Services
Visitation
St. Francis Xavier Catholic ChurchServices
St. Francis Xavier Catholic ChurchSchedule Details
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 9, 2018 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Sartell for Francis A. “Fran” Wilmes, age 94 of Sartell who passed away on Sunday, November 4, 2018 at the St. Cloud V.A. Hospital. Reverend Timothy Baltes will officiate. Entombment will take place at Assumption Cemetery Mausoleum in St. Cloud.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday and after 10:00 a.m. on Friday both at the St. Francis Xavier Gathering Space in Sartell. Parish prayers will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday at the church in Sartell.