Frances Wertz

Frances Wertz was born March 13, 1915, in Aurora, Minnesota, the youngest of the six children of Joseph & Agnes Sekula. She attended Virginia Junior College and the University of Minnesota. In 1946, she married Kermit Wertz, and together they ran several grocery stores. Their daughters Mary and Teresa were born in the 50's, and Fran spent most of her time as a loving and caring mother and wife. About the time that Kermit died in 1969, Fran started working at the Parkway Restaurant, where she stayed for many years, being the friendly hostess with the great blond hairstyle, and making many friends. In 1986, her first grandchild was born, and she spent Madeline's first year caring for her as only a grandmother can. She suffered through cancer in the late 80's, but was brave and finally recovered. Her greatest strength was her great love and devotion to her family, her husband, children, their husbands, her beautiful grandchildren, along with all her sisters, brothers and their families. Always smart, beautiful and stylish, she celebrated her 87th birthday with over 50 friends and family on March 10. Throughout her last illness, she remained independent in her home, loving, patient, kind, and very, very brave. Since last October, she has been cared for by the wonderful staff of Allina Hospice, and she spent her last days in North Memorial Residential Hospice, where she passed away peacefully on April 15, 2002. She will be missed by her daughters and sons-in-law, Mary Wertz and Neil Brozen, and Teresa and John Cuddy, and her grandchildren, Madeline Brozen, Matthew Brozen, Joseph Cuddy and Lucas Cuddy; along with scores of family and friends. The family would like to thank all of the hospice workers who filled Fran's last months with love and great care. Funeral Mass on Thursday, April 18, 10 am at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, 5400 12th Avenue South, Minneapolis. Following interment with Kermit at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, there will be lunch at the Fellowship Hall in Our Lady of Peace. In lieu of flowers, Fran requested memorials to the family, to be donated to the students of Our Lady of Peace Grade School. She was an inspiration to the end. Her strength and love will be with us always. Goodbye, Fran.

Published on April 18, 2002