Francis (Franny) Henry Wildhaber, 85, of Freeburg, Missouri passed away Sunday, May 10, 2020 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Francis was the youngest of 6 children and was born on February 24, 1935, to Edwin and Genevieve (Renfert) Wildhaber. While living in Argyle, he attended Argyle Grade School and later Freeburg High School.

On September 27, 1958, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Mary Ann Buechler at Holy Family Catholic church in Freeburg. They always did things together. She survives at the home. In addition to his spouse of 61 years, Francis is survived by three daughters: Donna Stuckenschneider and her husband, Curt; Debby Hanlon and her husband, Mark; Diane Kempker and her husband, Shawn. Francis also was loved greatly by his six grandchildren: Allison Peterson (Mike), Steven Hanlon (Candice), Tasha Stuckenschneider, Bret Stuckenschneider, Grace Cummins, Sophie Cummins; and six great-grandchildren. Francis is also survived by two sisters: Bernice Schmitz and Marcie Branum; one brother, Kenneth Wildhaber. He was loved by many nieces and nephews. He especially enjoyed spending time with his nephew, John Wildhaber.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Alois and Cecilia (Kloeppel) Buechler, brother and sister-in-law Ralph and Arlene Wildhaber; his sister and brother-in-law, Doris and Greg Wankum; and four brothers-in-law, Vic Schmitz, Ralph Branum, Joe Buechler, Carl Buechler.

In the early 50s, Francis worked for the Missouri Conservation Commission. Later he was employed at Schanzmeyer Chevrolet in Meta. In the early 60s he worked for Delongs and Downtown Shell. In 1966, Francis went to work at Quaker Window Products for 33 years. When he started, he established the paint line and also became the supervisor. During the last 10-12 years, he was a sales representative for the company and traveled throughout many states. This traveling resulted in many long-lasting friendships all over the Midwest. In 1997, he retired.

During his retirement, Francis accomplished many things. He was always building or fixing something. One look at his hands will attest that he was not afraid to work – especially if the project helped a family member or friend. He and Mary Ann were also able to take one of his bucket list trips to Switzerland in 2018. He was able to visit the area where his great, great-grandparent's home was located.

Francis always loved the outdoors! He enjoyed deer hunting especially when he was joined by his daughter and granddaughters. He always looked forward to hunting rabbits, squirrels and fishing with friends. He liked mushrooms so much, he started to grow his own. He was a member of the Gasconade Bass Club for many years. He has many certificates and trophies showing his wins. He loved riding his 4-wheeler when tending to his hunting spots, many fruit trees and annual group 4-wheeler rides for charity.

His other hobbies included playing baseball and softball, coaching the Freeburg girl's softball team, bowling, golfing and woodworking. His passions included forging gigs and making several different types of homemade wine. His wine was used as part of Communion at Mass in Holy Family Church for many years. He loved volunteering and serving his parish for over 60 years. He worked at the many fund raisers, sang in the adult choir with Mary Ann for years, and built the main, marble altar that is still present today. Francis was an amazing cook! No matter what he would bring home from the woods/rivers, he put his heart and soul into preparing it for his family He also really enjoyed music! He was always on the dance floor, whistling his favorite tunes and playing the harmonica. He loved singing in the car with his daughters and Mary Ann providing harmony. Listening to his three girls and Mary Ann sing at various Masses, weddings and funerals made him so proud. In recent years, his love for bingo developed. Francis and Mary Ann made so many friends together at the many bingo venues they would visit.

Francis was an active member of the American Legion and the Freeburg Knights of Columbus Council 9700 where he was the third degree Grand Knight. Later he was initiated as the fourth degree member of the Msgr. Kutz PAS Assembly 2811. He had a strong faith and was an active member of Holy Family. He was a veteran of the United States army and had the privilege of going on the Honor Flight.

Visitation will be at Holy Family Church in Freeburg, Missouri on Thursday, May 14 from 5:00pm -7:00pm and 10:00am – 11:00am on Friday prior to Mass. A Mass of Christian Burial, to celebrate his, life is scheduled for Friday, May 15 at 11:00am at Holy Family Catholic Church in Freeburg, Missouri. Burial with military honors will follow at Holy Family cemetery.

The general public is welcome to attend the services while following social distancing guidelines. Masks are required to enter the church.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be given for Masses; Holy Family School, Freeburg; or Hospice Compassus.