Racine – Francis E. Ahles, affectionately known to many as “Frank” or “Fran”, 94, passed away at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center on Wednesday, January 6, 2010. Frank was born in Kronenwetter of Marathon County, Wisconsin on November 20, 1915 to the late Michael and Mathilda (nee: Fochs) Ahles. He proudly served our Country with the Civilian Conservation Corps in his younger years. On November 12, 1938, Frank was united in marriage with the love of his life, Pearl R. Kopsie, who preceded him in death on July 27, 1998. He was employed by Webster Electric from 1945 until 1978. Frank was a devoted member of St. Lucy Catholic Church. A man of great strength and strong work ethic, he remained active by tending to his lawn, repairing mowers and equipment, playing cards and travelling….even into his 90’s. Above all, Frank was a true family man who loved, nothing more than, being in the surroundings of his entire family. Surviving are his daughter, Lois Palm; son, Joseph Ahles; grandchildren, Anne-Desiree Verdiguel, Gordon Ahles, Kurt Simonsen, Kelly (Lenny) Robbins, and Wallace (Andrea) Robbins; great-grandchildren, Sergio, Ericka, Santino and Vennesa Verdiguel; Cammie Jo (Adam) Haire, Wallace (Jessica) Robbins Jr., Ashley and Nicholas Popalowski, Denise (Brian) Szelagowski, and Corrine Robbins; eight great-great-grandchildren; brother, Carroll Ahles; sister-in-law, Irma Ahles; dear friend, Loretta Slesarenko; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends too numerous to mention by name. In addition to his parents, wife, and siblings, Frank was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Alex Palm; daughter-in-law, Sandra Ahles; granddaughter, Kim Robbins; and grandson, Robert Simonsen. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, January 11, 2010 at 11:00 am in St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Ave., with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating Interment will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be in the church on Monday from 10-11 am. In memory of Frank, memorials to the St. Lucy Church Building Fund has been suggested. A heartfelt note of thanks to Dr. Odders, Dr. Vravick, Dr. Johnson, the entire staff of Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints, especially Hospital 2D, Hospice and nurse Lori, for the compassionate medical care provided to Frank during his battle with cancer. Also, our family is forever grateful for Dad’s caregivers, Martin Chavez and Desiree Verdiguel (Frank’s granddaughter) for the loving care and support during the past several months. May God bless all of you!
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