Maureen “Reene” M. Francis, age 81, of Sheboygan, passed away peacefully on Friday,
November 3, 2023. She was born in Sheboygan on December 11, 1941, to John W. and Marie E.
(Scott) Seekins.
A few days after her mom’s death Reene, age 6, came down with polio which wasn’t diagnosed
until she was 20 years old. She was sent to her aunt Louise Fontany and uncle George’s in
Glenbeulah and because they had just had a new baby, she was taken to her aunt Margaret and
uncle John Schwind’s farm in Greenbush, where she recovered for months. She spent most of
her summer vacations and Christmas vacations at Uncle John and Aunt Margaret’s home, who
referred to her as their own daughter. She was lovingly cared for during her high fevers,
paralysis, loss of speech, due to the polio. Aunt Margaret and Aunt Louise where both school
teachers like Reene’s mom and made sure she kept up with her school work during her recovery.
Jerry Schwind (a cousin) worked with her on her speech therapy and physical therapy.
Reene is a graduate of Holy Name grade school and North High, class of 1960. Immediately
after graduation she had to go to work to support herself. Reene continued working, only taking
off for 9 years while she had her four children. Most of her working years were spent working on
switchboards and office work. She retired at 70 years old.
Reene enjoyed baking, quilting, sewing, thrifting, traveling to Door County, but above all,
spending time with her grandchildren. She also enjoyed the monthly get together with the card
club. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her four children, Joseph Gerald of Milwaukee; Colleen Mae of Wauwatosa,
Donald John (Kelly) of Platteville and Karen Marie (Jason) Tykac of Florida; her grandchildren,
Kira Carr and Tegan Francis, Adeline and Zavier Francis, and Marissa, Delaney, Jordis,
Braeden, Hudson and Parker Tykac; other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her
parents, cousin Patti Boll and many other cousins, aunts and uncles.
A Funeral Service for Reene will take place at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at
Zimmer Westview Funeral and Cremation Care Center, W2132 Garton Rd. with Father Dave
Funk officiating. Family will greet visitors on Saturday, at the funeral home, from 10:00 AM
until the time of the service. Reene will be laid to rest next to her parents at Calvary Cemetery in
Sheboygan.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Reene’s name can be made to either The Salvation Army, 710
Pennsylvania Ave. Sheboygan, WI 53081 or The Capuchin Community Services, 1702 W
Walnut St. Milwaukee, WI 53205.
The family would like to thank the caregivers at both Meadow View Manor and Shores of
Sheboygan for the excellent care given to Reene over the past year.
To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.zimmerfuneralhome.com
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