Orth, Francis J.Francis J. Orth, 92, a lifelong resident of the Town of Centerville, died peacefully at his home on Thursday, November 9, 2017.Francis was born on May 19, 1925, to John and Gertrude (Koenig) Orth. He attended Central High School in Sheboygan, and graduated from the UW-Madison Farm Short Course program. He worked on the homestead farm with his family until he bought his own farm in 1966.On July 16, 1953, Francis married Elaine Fritsch at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sherwood, and they were blessed with eleven children. Francis was a member of St. Wendel Catholic Church in Cleveland, and now St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Community in Newton. Surrounded by family and friends, Francis and Elaine took great pleasure in bowling, dancing, Packer parties, and playing games, especially a good game of Sheepshead. A longtime fan of the Chicago White Sox, Francis was overjoyed by their 2005 sweep of the World Series. His sincere, light-hearted, and gentle nature was evident in everything he did. He will be greatly missed.Francis is survived by Elaine, his wife of 64 years, and nine of his eleven children: Kathleen Wills of Arvada, CO; John Orth of Manitowoc; Ralph (Patti) Orth of Cleveland; Larry (Dianne) Orth of Rochester, MN; Joanne (Dan) Bradford of Sullivan, IN; Barbara (Bruce) Schlei of Cleveland; Karen (Jeff) Birkeland of St. Paul, MN; David (Kelly) Orth of Cleveland; and Jessica Verhasselt of St. Paul, MN. He is also survived by daughter-in-law Maxine Orth (wife of deceased son Dennis); and son-in-law Wayne Vogel (husband of deceased daughter Mary).In addition, he leaves behind 26 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; his brother, Norbert, of Cleveland; brother-in-law, Earl Stechmesser of Kiel; and a niece and two nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; children Dennis Orth and Mary Vogel; daughter-in-law Tammy (Rendon) Orth; sister and brother-in-law Deloris and Kermit Lutzenberger; sister-in-law Betty (Heller) Orth; infant brother Gilbert; sister-in-law Helen Stechmesser; and two nephews.A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Francis at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 17 at Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Community (8100 Brunner Rd., Newton), with Fr. David Beaudry officiating. Burial will follow at Saint Wendel Catholic Cemetery in the Village of Cleveland. Friends may call at the church on Thursday, November 16, from 4 to 8 p.m. and on Friday, November 17, from 9 a.m. until the time of service. The Stoltenberg Funeral Chapel of Cleveland is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. The family wishes to thank Saint Nicholas Hospice and Visiting Angels for the compassion and care they have shown to Francis and his family.
You can to the family or in memory of Francis Orth.
Guestbook