Frances Lucille Mathias, 98, Wabasha

Frances Lucille Mathias, age 98, of Wabasha, died Friday, May 12, 2017 at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Wabasha. She was born at home on October 25, 1918 in Oklee, MN, the middle daughter of Ingebrigt (“Bert”) and Clara (Slettvedt) Melby. The family moved to Wabasha when Fran was a child, and she became a lifelong resident. She married Milo D. Schoenbeck in 1941 and to this union two children were born. They later divorced. She married Daryl “Mud” Mathias June 14, 1969. Daryl preceded her in death three days earlier on Tuesday, May 9, 2017.
Fran worked as a pharmacist assistant at the Community Clinic in Wabasha for a number of years, and later retired from the Wabasha Pharmacy. She was a member of the Wabasha United Church of Christ. She also was a member of the Wabasha American Legion Post #50 Auxiliary. Fran loved being with her children and later enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. She and Daryl traveled in their younger years to see friends and family out West as well as to Mexico. She was an avid reader and enjoyed her TV game shows and old movies from the 30’s and 40’s.
Fran is survived by four grandchildren, Bill Bruegger, Jr., Winona, MN, Kerri (John) Ochotnicky, Elm Grove, WI, Heather (John) Shultz, Savage, MN, and Karla Klemme (Dave Ball), Rice Lake, WI; seven great-grandchildren, Victoria and Amelia Ochotnicky, Hannah and Jack Shultz, Kaityln Nelson and Kole and Kamryn Klemme; son-in-law, Bill Bruegger, Sr., Buffalo City, WI, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Daryl Mathias, her daughter, Stephanie Bruegger, her son, Michael Schoenbeck, as well as her sisters, Thelma Klas and Irene DeBoer.
A time of visitation for Fran and Daryl Mathias will be held at the Abbott Funeral Home in Wabasha on Friday, May 19, 2017 from 4-7pm. A memorial service celebrating the life of Fran will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2017 at 2:30 pm at the Wabasha United Church of Christ with the Reverend James Clausen and the Reverend Barbara Mathias officiating. Interment of Fran’s cremains will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Wabasha. Family and friends may also call at the church on Saturday one hour before Fran’s service. A memorial service for Daryl will be held June 10, 2017 at 2:00pm at Grace Memorial Episcopal Church in Wabasha. Memorials are preferred to St. Elizabeth’s Community Development Foundation, 1200 Grant Blvd W, Wabasha, MN 55981. The Abbott Funeral Home of Wabasha is in charge of arrangements. www.abbottfh.com