Franklin Kuether

Franklin J. Kuether, 89, passed away Wednesday, May 8, 2013 peacefully at home in Oshkosh, Wisconsin surrounded by his family. Franklin was born to Karl and Amelia Kuether in Fond du Lac, was a graduate of Goodrich High School and retired from Giddings & Lewis as a machinist. Franklin served in the Army during WWII and was assigned to Battery B, 720th Field Artillery Battalion, 65th Infantry Division serving in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater. He graduated as 1st cook from the School for Bakers and Cooks at Camp Shelby, Mississippi and entered active duty in the military occupational specialty of Cannoneer. While serving his country in St. Valerie, France he suffered severe frost bite in both feet in January 1945 and was evacuated to England and later transferred to Brooke Convalescent Hospital in Texas. He was honorably discharged in August 1945. Franklin was awarded the Purple Heart, two Bronze Service Stars, American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal. He was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 17. He married his wife, Lucille and celebrated over 63 years with her, raising two daughters. His early hobbies included lapidary and jewelry making, stained glass and Ukrainian egg design. Franklin enjoyed volunteering at St. Raphael's Catholic Church and the Salvatorian Mission. Woodcarving in his later years was his special love as was making rosaries for family and friends. Franklin is survived by his wife, Lucille; daughters, Deborah Lavey and Kim Skrentny; grandchildren, Adrian Skrentny and Colin (Kathryn) Lavey; a sister, Gloriann (Kenneth) Meyn; and numerous nieces, nephews and in-laws. Franklin was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Clarence Scholl, Larry, Les and Carl Kuether; sisters, Delores Benedict and Anita Geib; and his beloved grandson, Austin Skrentny. Funeral services will be held at St. Raphael's Catholic Church, 830 S. Westhaven Drive, Oshkosh on Tuesday, May 14, 2013. Visitation will start at 4:00 pm with Reverend Doug LeCaptain officiating Mass at 6:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Raphael's Catholic Church or the Salvatorian Mission. The family wishes to thank Affinity Visiting Nurses with a special thank you to his Hospice Team. He loved you all. For everyone who knew him, he will be remembered most for his smile. Fiss & Bills Funeral Home & Crematory 865 S. Westhaven Drive Oshkosh, WI 54904 (920) 235-1170 www.fissbillspoklasny.com