Frances Irene Wise

Frances was born on June 22, 1925 in Flint, the daughter of Russel and Agnes (Keyes) Schoch.

She was the first female valedictorian at her high school, Chesaning Union and attended Central Michigan University before entering the Army Nurse Corps in 1944. She earned her R.N. degree at Butterworth Hospital Nursing School in Grand Rapids. Frances worked as a nurse in Idaho and various cities in Michigan before going to work at Midland Hospital. In Midland, Fran met and married Lester Allen Wise and raised seven children. In 1973 she and her family moved to Traverse City and later retired to their cottage at Torch Lake. She loved sunrises at Torch Lake and enjoyed her crochet club and watching Jeopardy. In her younger years, Fran enjoyed boating, cross country skiing, square dancing with Button and Bows, playing cards, and crossword puzzles. She also enjoyed traveling all over the U.S. to visit her children.

Fran is survived by her 7 children, Virginia Wise, David (Kathleen) Wise, Thomas Wise, Ruth (David) Bates, Paul Wise, James (Maria) Wise, and Mary Wise; 6 grandchildren, Matthew, Tracy, Cameron, Kathleen, Jeffrey, and Shannon; siblings, Dale (Hazel) Schoch, Marian Lash, Russel (Emilie) Schoch, and Lucille Price; sister-in-law, Velma Perkins; and her beloved cousin, Margaret Rohwetter. She was preceded in death by her parents, Russel and Agnes Schoch; husband, Lester Wise; and siblings, Ruth (Jack) Hemenway and William Perkins

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 7 at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Elk Rapids. Mass from the Order of Christian Funerals will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8, with Rev. Robert J. Zuchowski presiding. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society.

Please view Fran’s photo album and share your fond memories at www.CovellElkRapids.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Covell Funeral Home, Elk Rapids.