Frances A. Leuck

Frances Ann Shade Leuck, 93, of Daytona Beach Shores, Florida, passed away peacefully with her daughter, Tracy, by her side. She was a woman of faith, strength, and joy who lived life to the fullest and left a legacy of love and laughter for all who knew her.

Born in Kingsley, Iowa, to Gertrude and Jack Shade, Fran was one of 6 children. Frannie grew up with a strong work ethic and an adventurous spirit. She showed that relentless spirit throughout her life, namely in her dedication to her faith and her family. She loved God deeply and faithfully attended daily mass. She shared wisdom in her own unique ways through her stories and her words of advice she left tucked on sticky notes and notecards.

Fran and her husband, Bernie, raised 11 children in South Omaha, NE. After the youngest son, Rob, graduated from high school, they made Florida their home.

She found joy in life’s simple pleasures: a day at the beach with Bernie, family, and friends; the sound of the ocean; the lights and noise of a thunderstorm; watching the sunset with a glass of red wine; listening to her books; eating cereal, peanut butter toast and grapes; country music; and the inevitable family karaoke sessions during visits. She had a gift for turning everyday moments into lifelong memories.

Fran’s family and friends will remember her for her humor, her stubborn yet loving nature, and her endless supply of stories spanning 93 remarkable years. She cheered for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, the Tampa Bay Rays, and the Creighton Bluejays with equal passion. Frannie made friends wherever she went and always made you feel that you were the most important person in the room.

She is preceded in death by her husband Bernard Leuck, sons Terrence and Michael Leuck and daughter Janet Wood. She is survived by her children, Patrice Galas, Joan Leuck, Mary Kay Smith (David), Tracy Leuck, Lori Schulte, Paul Leuck (Brenda), Donna Leuck, Robert Leuck (Carla), sisters Monica Breitinger, Peggy Koenig, and brother Tom Shade. Grandchildren Jenni Galas Weeder, Julie Galas Bishop, Jill Galas Isaacs, Danielle Janik Curtis, Vanessa Janik Cornelius, Lyz Janik Landis, Marcy and Amanda Leuck, Erica Wood, Sarah Smith Lee, Miranda Smith Engelkamp, Dylan and Jack Kenney, Nick and Josh Schulte, Taylor Frankowski, Kacy Leuck Schmiedt, Jake Leuck, Levi Leuck, Beau and Ivy Leuck, many great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews who will carry forward her legacy of faith, family, friends, and fun.

A funeral mass will be held at the Catholic Church of the Epiphany, 201 Lafayette St., Port Orange, FL, on August 14, 2025, at 11:00 am with a celebration of life to follow at the beach entrance on Atlantic Avenue and Breakers Avenue.

South Omaha family and friends can remember Frannie at a Memorial Mass on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, 6:30 pm at Holy Ghost Catholic Church.