Fran Frigo, 89, of De Pere, was born into eternal life on June 5, 2025. She entered this world on December 5, 1935, in Belmond, Iowa, the daughter of Edwin and DeLoris (Dempsey) Chapman. She attended kindergarten through high school in the Belmond Public Schools, spent two years at Iowa State Teachers College (now UNI), and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1957 from Iowa State University in Ames. She began her career as a home economics teacher at Waukon High School in Waukon, Iowa.

On June 21, 1958, Fran married Leo Frigo, a fellow Iowa State student. Together they had five children: Margaret Mary (David) Longstreet, Yvonne Camilla (Dr. Peter Jahnke, deceased), Mary Elizabeth Frigo, Barbara Alison Anita (deceased), and Christopher James Jude (Lori) Frigo.

Leo preceded Fran in death on February 13, 2001. During their nearly 43 years of marriage, they lived in Carney, Michigan; Lena; and De Pere, Wisconsin.

One of Fran's great passions was world travel. Over the course of her life, she visited all 50 U.S. states and all seven continents—six of them with Leo.

Fran was deeply involved in her community and cherished the many friendships that came through her service. Her leadership roles were numerous and included:

– State President of the Wisconsin Hospital Auxiliaries

– Governor of the Green Bay/De Pere Antiquarian Society

– President of the Green Bay Catholic Women's Club

– President of the St. Vincent Hospital Auxiliary

– District Chair of the Lake Michigan Hospital Auxiliaries

– President of the Green Bay Home Economics Association

– Co-President (with Leo) of the St. Joseph Parish Home and School Association

– President of the Heritage Hill Foundation

– Chair of the Friends of St. Vincent Hospital Foundation

– Wisconsin Section Representative to the Green Bay Diocese of the Knights & Ladies of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem

– President of the Oconto Deanery Council of Catholic Women

– Charter Member of the Corporate Board of Notre Dame Academy

– Charter Member of the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation

– Historian of the District Council of the St. Vincent de Paul Society

– Reader and Cupbearer at St. Norbert Abbey

– Vice President of the Republican Women of Brown County

– Member of the President's Council of the Green Bay Symphony

– President of the Green Bay Junipero Serra Club

– Board Member of the Lac Baie Council of Girl Scouts

– Numerous positions with the Friends of the Green Bay Symphony

– School board member for St. Joseph School, De Pere

– Renew Executive Couple (with Leo) at St. Joseph Parish (now Our Lady of Lourdes)

Fran received many honors during her lifetime, including the Wisconsin Hospital Association Award of Merit, the Living Our Mission Award from St. Vincent Hospital, the Founders Award from Notre Dame Academy, the Community Caring Award from the Federation of Republican Women, and the Silver Palm of Jerusalem from the Equestrian Order. Alongside Leo, she also received the first Gaudium et Spes Award from the Green Bay Diocese, the William Heraly Award from United Way, the NSFRE Philanthropist Award, and the Abbot Pennings Medal from St. Norbert Abbey.

Fran is survived by her children: Margaret (David) Longstreet, Yvonne Jahnke, Mary Beth Frigo, and Christopher (Lori) Frigo; 11 grandchildren: Joseph (Megan) Longstreet, Rachel (Jeremy) Burke, Hannah (Josh) Bonello, Mary Frances Jahnke (Charlie Griffith), Elizabeth (Steven) Manders, Stefani Ribarchek (Steve Olisar), Natalie Ribarchek, Noah Frigo, Luca Frigo, Eli Frigo, and Jude Frigo; and 10 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her nieces Julie DeBower and Lynn Hicks (children of her sister Patricia), as well as more than 50 nieces and nephews from the Frigo family. Dear friends Bonnie and Tom Renkens, her honorary granddaughter Jenny, and honorary great-granddaughter Avery were also like family to her.

Fran was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter Barbara; her sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and Marvin Thompson; her son-in-law, Peter Jahnke; Leo's parents; and all 15 of Leo's brothers and sisters.

Friends may call at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church 1305 Lourdes Ave., De Pere, on Friday, June 13, 2025, from 9:00AM – 10:45AM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00AM with Fr. James Baraniak O.Praem. officiating. The burial will take place at Iron Mountain Cemetery Park. Ryan Funeral Home, De Pere is assisting the family.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at New Perspective Senior Living and Moments Hospice for their compassionate care during Fran's final days.

Memorial contributions in Fran's name may be directed to the Friends of St. Vincent Hospital Samaritan Fund for indigent patients or to Paul's Pantry.