Frances E. (Keyes) O’Leary

Frances E. (Keyes) O’Leary, 77, passed peacefully at home surrounded by her family on August 21, 2014. Born on November 16, 1936 to Albert and Edith Keyes in South Milwaukee, WI where she grew up and graduated from Marquette University College of Nursing in 1958.

She married her childhood sweetheart William O’Leary in 1959, and recently celebrated their 55th Wedding Anniversary. Fran worked at Wood Veteran’s Center for a short time before she began her true calling raising their six children. In 1968, they moved to La Crosse where Bill began his career in Obstetrics and Gynecology. For several years in the 1970’s Fran taught at Viterbo College of Nursing.

Fran devoted her time to Bill, her children and grandchildren. She was an active volunteer for many area organizations; including – Blessed Sacrament School and Church where Fran and Bill have been members since 1968, Aquinas High School Girls Golf coach for several years, Franciscan Skemp Healthcare Auxiliary, Tiny Tim Gala, American Red Cross, Meals on Wheels and YMCA.

Fran loved to play golf and travel with her husband. They visited many places within the United States and around the world together. She enjoyed time with friends, playing bridge, golfing and bowling.

Fran is survived by her beloved husband, Bill and their six children. Patrick (Amaria) O’Leary, Christine (Michael) Griffin, Michael (Karla) O’Leary, Kathleen Schappe, Jeanne (Michael) Voss and Margaret (Timothy) Ebner, twelve grandchildren, Shanna and Kelsey O’Leary, Mitchell and Jacob Griffin, Ryan and Emma O’Leary, Benjamin and Brittany Schappe, Michael and Margaret Voss, and Jacquelyn and Tyler Ebner.

Fran is also survived by her four sisters, Constance Eglsaer, Eileen Rogan, Christine (Patrick) Ross and Jean (Ronald) Leonard and sister-in-law Dorothy Keyes. Her family was blessed with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Edith Keyes, her three brothers Philip, Robert and William Keyes, sister-in-law Barbara Keyes, Brothers-in-law Walter Eglsaer, Jack Rogan and Richard Bolender.

Fran and her family would like to thank all the wonderful medical staff at the Mayo Cancer Center for their care and compassion over the past years.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, August 25, 2014, in Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 130 Losey Blvd. So. Rev. Peter Raj and Msgr. Bernard Mc Garty will concelebrate. Family and friends may visit from 10:00 AM until the time of Mass in Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church on Monday.

The Blaschke & Schneider funeral Homes are assisting the family with arrangements.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Blessed Sacrament Parish, Mayo Clinic Health System – Franciscan Healthcare in La CrosseMayo Clinic Health System – Franciscan Healthcare Cancer Center or Aquinas High School.