Frank J. Schleitwiler

Frank J. Schleitwiler, age 102 of Appleton, passed away on Thursday morning, October 6, 2016 at a local nursing center. Frank was born in rural Montana on August 17, 1914, son of the late Charles and Martha (Klippstein) Schleitwiler. In April of 1948, Frank married the former Joyce Ackmann. Together, the couple celebrated 68 wonderful years together. As a young man, Frank enlisted in the United States Navy in 1940, serving his country for five years. Frank had a special talent for refinishing and restoring antiques; it wasn't work for him, it was enjoyment. At the ages of sixty-six and fifty-five, Frank and Joy both enrolled at UW-Oshkosh, earning their Bachelor's Degrees in liberal studies with Honors. At the age of ninety, he began to write poetry, and composed many beautiful poems for family members for the special occasions in their lives. Above all, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Frank is survived by his loving wife: Joyce Schleitwiler of Appleton; three children: Tom (Carolyn) Schleitwiler of Madison; Linda (Jeff) Kowalchuk of Luxemburg, and Mark (Caryn) Schleitwiler of Oneida. There are also five grandchildren: Emily (Stew) Reece, Ben Schleitwiler, Jeff (Christa) Kowalchuck, Jr., Katrina (Alan) Kruizenga, and Tess (fiance Riley Egger) Schleitwiler; five great grandchildren: Liam, Mila, Damion, Jeffrey, and Max; and his foster children: Anne, Glen, and Ben. Frank is further survived by three sisters-in-law: Marge Schleitwiler, Patricia Ackmann, and Sally Reed.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings: Clarence, Carl, Earl, Melvin, Norman, and Irene.

A memorial service for Frank will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 14, 2016 at the Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior Street in Appleton. Friends and relatives are welcome to gather at the funeral home on Friday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to ThedaCare at Home Hospice.

Frank, the time has come for you to leave me; you will be forever in my heart. All my love, Joy.

The family wishes to extend their deepest thanks to all of the staff members from ThedaCare At Home, Cherry Meadows, and Rennes Health and Rehab for their tender and loving care of our loved one. May God bless all of you.