Francis J. Quinlan

Passed from this earth on July 6, 2015. Preceded in death by wife Rita, parents James and Ada, step-father Otto Winterhalter, brothers James and William, and sister Eileen (Alfred Henry). Survived by children Mark, William, Patrick (Michelle), Lawrence, Valerie (Ron), Timothy, Robert (Geri), Sheila (Steve) Warner, and Janis (Doc) Guerin; grandchildren Amy and Kevin Quinlan, Ryan and Nick Thoemke; several nieces and nephews. Born in St. Paul. Graduated from Wilson High School and proudly served his country in World War II as a member of the U. S. Merchant Marine. After the war, he attended St. Thomas College, earning a B.A. in Physical Education and Health. While at St. Thomas, Fran excelled in athletics, particularly football, where he was the leading scorer in the MIAC Conference his junior year. After graduation, he married Rita and they moved to Los Angeles where they would start a family and he would earn his Master’s degree at USC. Fran started his teaching career in Santa Paula, California, then, in 1961, moved his family, which then included 7 children, back to his hometown of St. Paul. There, he continued his career in the St. Paul school district, at Harding and later Highland Park High School. He was a successful and influential swimming coach, and was later inducted into the Harding High School Athletics Hall of Stars. He also spent several years officiating high school and college football. After retirement, he and Rita spent many winters in Mesa, Arizona and summers at their cabin on Ottertail Lake. During those years, bicycle racing became his passion, and he continued to put in many miles each day until just a few years ago. He won multiple medals and trophies, including riding 100 mile races well into his 70’s. The last years of his life were filled with spending time with his children and grandchildren, trips to Ottertail, and occasional visits to his sister and nieces and nephews in San Diego. Memorials preferred to www.garysinisefoundation.org. Visitation Friday, July 10 from 4-8 PM at Wulff Funeral Home, 1485 White Bear Ave, St. Paul. Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, July 11 at 12 PM with visitation one hour prior at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 2119 Stillwater Ave E, St. Paul. Inurnment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.