Frances A. (Schmitt) Kwitek

Frances A. (Schmitt) Kwitek departed this life on June 26, 2023 at the age of 88. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald J. Kwitek. She is survived by her 10 cherished children: Paul D. Kwitek of Portland, Oregon; Ann F. (John) Kosovich of Pueblo West, Colorado; Kathleen J. (Michael) Hawk of Pueblo West, Colorado; Michele M. (Michael) Smiley of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Mark B. Kwitek of Canon City, Colorado; Gregory E. (Margaret) Kwitek of Hutchinson, Minnesota; Christopher J. (Fay) Kwitek of McKinney, Texas; Douglas J. (Kristi) Kwitek of Pueblo West, Colorado; Sarah E. Kwitek of Canon City, Colorado; and Benjamin J. Kwitek of Canon City, Colorado. Fran also enjoyed the company of her 24 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren – they called her Nannie. Fran was born in Two Rivers, Wisconsin. She was the second of 12 children. She came from a musical family that included her uncles in the Schmitt Brothers Quartet – a world-renowned Barbershop singing group. Fran and her sisters Joan, Sue and Rosalie sang together in the Schmitt Sisters Quartet. They created beautiful harmonies for people in Church and at family
events in Wisconsin. Fran attended Catholic schools and graduated from St. Joseph Academy. She then enrolled at St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin, where she met Don, her future husband. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Technology. She worked at a Green Bay, Wisconsin hospital doing laboratory analysis work before she gave up her professional career to raise her children. Her interest in medicine and technology continued throughout her life. Fran was a devoted wife and the best Mom to her children. This was her primary focus. She was always there to listen. Although soft-spoken, Fran did not need to say much. Her morals and high standards were clear through her actions. With just the right glance, her 10 kids knew that they could do better. She wanted her children to be good people who made a difference in the world through their God-given-talents and hard work. Fran always put everyone before herself. Even after decades of cooking family meals, Fran continued to prepare food for her kids and grandkids up until her passing. She spent countless hours ironing clothes for everyone in the family. She believed that our clothes were a reflection of us and even when they were not fancy brands, they should be clean and meticulously pressed. She loved to garden, bake, and sew. She also loved flowers, nature, and animals. She cared for multiple dogs during her life, and they seemed to sense her kindness when they sat on her lap or by her feet when she was not feeling well. Fran was devoted to her Catholic faith. She loved the Blessed Mother of Jesus and prayed daily rosaries for those in need. She said that a devotion to Mary is the way to get to heaven. She followed the beautiful example of Mary with her love. Fran will be missed dearly by her family, friends, and everyone she cared for on this Earth.

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