Frances Jean Wheeler

MANITOWOC, WI — Frances Jean (Zawada) Wheeler, 86, passed away October 5 at home, surrounded by family who cared for her during her five months suffering with an aggressive adenocarcinoma pancreatic cancer. Frances was born in Schaffer in 1939.

Frances is survived by her children: Janice (Bob) Bauer, David (Susan) Wheeler, Kathy (Bill) Miller and Julie (Chuck) Bornemann, brother, Dennis (Maxine) Zawada, Patricia Zawada, ten grandchildren; Edward, Megan, Greg, Hannah, Clare Bauer, Nathan, Andrew, Aubrie Miller, CJ., Alex Bornemann and seven great-grandchildren (two of which she has only known in the womb) and dear nieces and nephews. Also surviving are the many St. Francis Assisi prayer group friends, who accompanied her with many prayers on her journey.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Francis, brothers Joseph and Chester Zawada, sister-in-law Pauline Zawada and her great-granddaughter Elizabeth Miller.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 Noon on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at St. Francis of Assisi, 1121 North 14th St, Manitowoc. The Rev. Doug LeCaptain will Celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial with burial to follow in the Calvary Cemetery, Manitowoc. Relatives and friends may call at the Pfeffer Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Wednesday, at the church, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at 12:00 Noon. There will be a Parish Prayer Service held on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m., at the funeral home, led by Deacon Al Boeldt.

The family would like to extend appreciation to the care from Dr. Ballard, HFHM Froedtert medical team, Dr. Pant (Prevea), Green Bay Oncology, HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Nurses and Staff, and Unity Hospice that guided us through her journey.

As a family, we were honored to care for you at home, while challenging, we know you did the same to care for your family. You were sent by God to do his work on Earth. We are joyful, knowing you have now returned to Him.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, Frances would appreciate a donation to the new St. Francis of Assisi Grand site “Gathering Center” Prayer Garden in her memory. Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com

Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Pfeffer Funeral Home of Manitowoc is assisting the family with arrangements.