LA CROSSE - Frances (born Francesca) J. Skover (“Fran”), 89, of La Crosse died Monday January 28, 2013, in Clare Bridge Manor, La Crosse, Wis. She was born on March 9, 1923, to Anthony and Sarah (DiMaggio) Cottone in Racine, Wis. She married Alex F. Skover on Nov. 21, 1943, at Sacred Heart Church in Racine, Wis. Frances enjoyed being with her family and friends, socializing during a game of golf, playing cards with the gang, Sundays on the river, driving the kids around, traveling, staying up to date with current events (indeed, some called her a “News Junkie”). Fran and Al were a team since they were 16 and then married at 19 years old. She worked to put Al through college at UW-Madison, then moved to La Crosse with Al’s offer to work for Machine Products and start their new and wonderful life in God’s Country. They were by each others side while they raised their three children. Living in Greenwald Coulee they made life long friends and then moved to the “city” then living with the view of Grandad’s bluff. She was involved at St. Thomas More, Blessed Sacrament and at Aquinas supporting their children. She was a Girl Scout Leader, lunch lady helper, fundraiser, Meals on Wheels, and her kid’s biggest fan. She was a part of La Crosse for over 60 years and took advantage of all it had to offer. Boating on the Mississippi River, being a part of the Mt. La Crosse taxi, meeting new friends at the La Crosse Country Club and enjoying the people from the G. Heileman Brewing Co. group. Fran supported Al with any activity he was a part of in the city. They were part of the Chamber of Commerce, The United Way, Junior Achievement, Chileda, Viterbo University, Rotary Lights, Oktoberfest USA Gemutlichkeit Foundation and so many other things. For years they were a part of the Oktoberfest activities and joined the Oktoberfest royalty in 1987. Fran was the Frau to the Festmester (her love, Al) and took on all the responsibilities that went along with representing La Crosse. With all that, who could forget her sense of style in so many things! She definitely was “one of a kind”. She is survived by two daughters, Kathy (Larry) Visk from Overland Park, KS, and Terri (Mark) Pavia from Pittsford, NY; one son, David Skover from Seattle, WA; four grandchildren, Kristina and Alex Visk, and Corey and Sarah Pavia; one brother, Joe Cottone; two nieces, Felicia Elias and Lynda Sinsky. Frances was preceded in death by her husband, Alex Skover; her parents and brother, Andrew Cottone; and two infant sons, Keith and Joseph. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 AM, on Saturday, February 2, 2013, at Mary Mother of the Church, 2006 Weston St., La Crosse. The Rev. Douglas Robertson will officiate, with entombment to be held in Catholic Cemetery, La Crosse. Family and friends may call from 9:30 until the time of Mass in the church on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, please send any memorials in her name to Viterbo College at 900 Viterbo Drive, La Crosse WI, or to the Oktoberfest USA, PO Box 1716, La Crosse, WI 54601. Blaschke & Schneider Funeral Homes of La Crosse are assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.blaschkeschneider.com