Francis Gerow

Francis H. Gerow - Age 91, fulfilling his final wish to be cared for at home, on Sept. 1, 2024, in the presence of his family, Francis H. Gerow went on to heaven to be with God, his wife Joan, and his only son, Dan, all of whom he was missing greatly. “What a kind and wonderful man,” God will say. A near perfect example of truly living all 10 commandments. “Well done, Francis, my good and faithful servant.” Always a gentle soul, he was a husband, father and grandfather his family adored. Francie loved to read, laughed at the same “3 Stooges” clips (every time), was a fan of Laurel and Hardy and loved classic movies, such as Fiddler on the Roof, Dr. Zhivago (which he pronounced Dr. Schivargo) and many endless westerns. Never a steak man … pickle and bologna, molasses cookies and any ice cream personified his simple lifestyle. Francis graduated from Kaukauna High School, the class of 1951. He excelled in sports and was given the nickname, “The Golden Toe,” in football by his then-coach Guy Krumm. Sports was in his blood. Along with Tom Nytes, he helped start a football program at St. Mary Grade School in Kaukauna. One of his fondest memories, was beating St. Joseph School in Appleton 14-0, with none other than Rocky Bleier on the opposing team. You would’ve thought it was the Super Bowl! He enjoyed coaching girls' basketball, especially St. Mary Grade School and Kaukauna High School. Many summers he also dedicated his time to coaching girls' softball. He took up an offer to try out for the class “C” White Sox in Superior as a catcher and played briefly. Francie served in the United States Army stationed in Germany, where he was with the military police. A masterful story teller, his favorite true account being … “when I was 12 years old, I happened to see a beautiful girl in a blue swim suit, down by the guard locks. I turned to my friend Jack and said, ‘I’m gonna marry that girl someday.’” True to his word, on May 5, 1956, he kept that promise uniting in marriage with his “one and only” Joan Kilgas. The new couple built a home in Kaukauna where they lived their entire life. They went on to have six children. Francie loved to play bridge with his wife, Joan, and took it upon himself to “try” and teach his daughters the game after her passing in December 2023. He was a volunteer coach for Kaukauna youth, and was known as the “Concession Stand Man” at Horseshoe Park. Diamond No. 1 is now aptly named Gerow Field in appreciation of his dedication. In 1981 Francie was honored by the Kaukauna Athletic Club (KAC) by being named “Man of the Year” which he humbly accepted. Many race nights you could find him picking up aluminum cans at WIR with any family members willing to help into the wee hours of the morning. He retired from Thilmany in 1995 after 42 years as a Machine Tender on No. 10. A passion for hickory nuts, you would find him for many hours at the kitchen table, just a pickin’ away. His family and those that received a gift bag will always think of his memory when baking or snacking on them. He said, “I am the luckiest man in the world to be surrounded by all this love … and he was.” He is survived by daughters: Pat (Tom) Mooney, Sue McCabe, Mary Ann Stingle, Amy (Kevin) Schroeder and Linda (Gary) Tessen. He enjoyed his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is also survived by siblings: Dallas (Maurice) Lamers and Keith (Cathy) Gerow. He was preceded in death by his wife: Joan; son: Dan; son-in-law: Bruce McCabe; grandson: Kevin McCabe; his parents: Howard and Mildred (Wilcox) Gerow; two brothers, one sister, and their spouses. He was also preceded in death by two infant sisters; his in-laws: Norbert and Agnes (Gillen) Kilgas; and his wife’s three brothers, two sisters, and their spouses. Visitation will be held Sept. 11  from 5-7 p.m. at O'CONNELL FUNERAL HOME (1776 E. Main Street, Little Chute). Visitation will continue on Sept. 12 at ST. MARY OF THE ANNUNCIATION CATHOLIC CHURCH (119 W. 7th Street, Kaukauna) from 9-10:45 a.m. His funeral Mass, officiated by the Rev. Luke Ferris, will be held at 11 a.m. and military honors will immediately follow. Committal St. Mary Cemetery.  To sign the guest book, please visit oconnellfh.com.  The family would like to thank the teams of Home Instead and ThedaCare at Home Hospice for their compassion and care. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in the name of Francis H. Gerow to MJ Tassoul Fox Valley Lions loan locker and the Larsen-Winchester Lions Club. Without these programs we would never have been able to keep Dad at home.

O’CONNELL FUNERAL HOME, 1776 E. Main Street, Little Chute,  920-788-6237