Frances A Gigl

Gigl, James Aloysius and Frances Augusta (nee. Sengpill). Frances A. Gigl, age 94, passed away on November 16, 2016 in De Pere, WI, and James A. Gigl, age 93, passed away 4 days later, on November 20, 2016 in Green Bay, WI. Frances was born November 3, 1922 in Necedah, WI to Frank and Esther Sengpill. James was born December 6, 1922 in Milwaukee, WI to Joseph and Romilda Gigl.
Frances spent her early life in Racine, graduating from Horlick High School and then earning her B.S. in Home Education from Alverno College, then her Masters in Guidance Counseling from UWM. James spent his early life in Milwaukee, graduating from Juneau High School. After high school, he served in the Army Air Corps from 1941 to 1945 as a flight engineer and top turret gunner on B-17’s in Europe as a Sergeant. He flew 53 missions over Germany.
Frances and James were married on November 5, 1945 in Milwaukee, WI. They lived in numerous houses in Elm Grove and Milwaukee. In 1985 they retired to Holmes Beach, FL and maintained a cottage in Waterford, WI for the summers.
Frances worked for the Milwaukee School District for 26 years as a Home Economics teacher and a Guidance Counselor. James worked as an Electrical Assembler and Technician for Square D Company and retired after 28 years.
Frances was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Waterford, WI, Bay Lakes Knitting Guild, American Legion Auxiliary, worked as Frannie the Riveter during the War at AO Smith Corporation building aircraft wings and other components. She loved to knit, read and crochet. She also worked at the local meal program, Our Daily Bread in Holmes Beach, FL. James was also a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Waterford, WI, and worked for Our Daily Bread in Holmes Beach, FL. James was a member of the VFW and American Legion. He loved to work with wood and remodel houses. He ran a part time remodeling business in Milwaukee for many years.
James and Frances are survived by their Children: Michael (Elizabeth) Gigl and Mary (William) Skroch; Grandchildren: Karen (Kurt) Koth, Steven (Danica) Gigl, Michelle (James) Shannon, Michael (Valerie) Skroch and 9 Great-Grandchildren. Frances is also survived by her brother: Larry Beres and sister: Ruth Kern, while James is further survived by his brother: Myron Gigl.
Frances is preceded in death by her parents: Frank and Esther Sengpill; sisters: Margery Bidlo and Leona Springs and brother: James Beres. James is preceded in death his parents: Joseph and Romilda Gigl and his beloved wife of 71 years, Frances, who passed away 4 days before him.
Visitation will be held for both on Monday, November 28, 2016 from 9:30 to 11:00 AM at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church – 305 S. First St. Waterford, WI 53185, with Mass of Christian Burial to follow visitation at 11:00 AM. Burial will be held on Monday, November 28, 2016 at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery – 21731 Spring St. Union Grove, WI 53182 at 1:00 PM.
In lieu of floral expressions of sympathy, please send memorials to your local food pantry in memory of Frances and for James please send memorials to your favorite veteran’s support organization. The family would especially like to thank the staff at Bellevue Senior Living Center, Unity Hospice and Wyndemere Estate for their loving care and support.
Mealy Funeral Home
225 W. Main St.
Waterford, WI 53185
(262)534-2233
www.mealyfuneralhome.com