Frances Ollhoff

Frances Grace Ollhoff, age 77, died unexpectedly at her home in the town of Pine River on Friday, October 16, 2015, and was embraced by the loving arms of the Lord. Frances, better known as Gracie to her family, was born on April 8, 1938 to the late Peter "Red Pete" and Stella (Janikowski) Schoone in the town of Harrison. She married Roger Ollhoff on September 21, 1957 at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Merrill. Grace loved the beauty of the Harrison hills and the memories of her childhood years spent there with her brothers and sisters on the family lake. She attended Harrison Grade School and Tomahawk High School. At 16 Grace found her first full time job at the Hanson Glove Factory. She would often talk about her time as a waitress at Skipper's Restaurant and later, as a telephone operator. After the birth of her first child, Kathy, Grace spent her years as a homemaker raising five children. Later in life she went on to work at Badger Wreath. She greatly enjoyed her time working as a supervisor at the Lions Ice Skating Rink. Grace was active as a leader for Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. Her many hobbies included sewing, macrame, latch hook, knitting and shopping. Grace had a "green thumb" and was especially proud of her African Violets, something she learned from her mom. She also enjoyed traveling with her family going to such places as Canada for family fishing trips; to California with her sisters; South Dakota, Colorado, Branson, and Las Vegas. She had fond memories of her travel as a young child to the Grotto Shrine in Rudolph, which she would visit later with her grandchildren. Later in life Grace inspired her friends and family by earning the title of "Queen" for her successes in the TOPS program which she obtained by her hard work and dedication in achieving a more healthy lifestyle. Grace loved being outdoors and enjoying nature, especially spending her day fishing and camping on Pine Lake with her husband. She would always compete with her husband, Roger, on how many more fish she could catch then him. A challenge she always won. Grace would often take long walks enjoying her love of the outdoors. She enjoyed her camping trips with her family. Grace was a gifted and talented storyteller who would spend hours with her children and grandchildren recalling her beloved childhood memories. Grace had a keen sense of humor and enjoyed recalling her childhood shenanigans, a talent that was definitely passed on to her children.

Her house was referred to as "Gracie's Restaurant" because it was always open to anyone that wanted to come in and visit. Grace enjoyed having a welcoming place for her friends and family to gather, play cards, share stories, and share a meal. Grace was the life of the party. She was a fun-loving person and her spirited personality was loved by many, especially her nieces and nephews. She enjoyed the companionship of her many loyal pets, especially "Jake" and "Nana". Grace will be forever missed. Frances Grace is survived by her loving husband: Roger Ollhoff of Merrill, her children: Kathleen (Timothy) Wanless of Ringle, WI, Timothy (Cecilia) Ollhoff of Merrill, David (Kathleen) Ollhoff of Merrill, Shelley (Jerry) Hersil of Merrill, and Jennifer (Chad) Schmidt of Merrill, grandchildren: Amanda Bruski, Joseph (Abilene) Ollhoff, Amy Ollhoff, Sara (Phil) Beck, Eric Wanless. Samantha Hersil, Daniel Ollhoff, Hannah Ollhoff, Nathanial Hersil, Ashley (Dakota) Lloyd, Jared Ollhoff, Elizabeth Schmidt, Michael Schmidt and Olivia Schmidt, and her great grandchildren: Alexandrea Ollhoff, Chase Bruski, Logan Lloyd, Alexis Ollhoff and Evan Ollhoff, her brothers: David (Chris) Schoone and Dennis (Gail) Schoone, and her sisters: Mary Croker, Corrie Sandberg, Teresa Burnett and Carol (Bob) Rucinski. Grace was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Stella Schoone, brothers: Matt Schoone, Andy Schoone and Jack Schoone, sister: Patsy Springer, sisters-in-law: Norma Sandbom and Chris Ollhoff, brother-in-law: Tom Croker and Vern Sandberg. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, October 21, 2015 at 11:30AM St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Merrill. Father Chris Kemp will officiate. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 from 4-8PM at Waid Funeral Home in Merrill and again on Wednesday, October 21, 2015 from 10:30AM until the time of Mass, at the church. Burial will take place at Snow Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, family requests that memorials be sent, on behalf of Frances, to St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Merrill. Waid Funeral Home of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.waidfuneral.com.

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Tuesday, October 20, 2015
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Wednesday, October 21, 2015

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