Frances Zurakowski

Obituary:

Frances Zurakowski, 95, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Prairie Pointe Assisted Living in Altoona. She was in the loving care of her daughter, Karen Stuttgen, grandson, Kyle Stuttgen, and St. Croix Hospice. She was born June 11, 1930, on her family farm, North of Thorp, to Victor and Lottie (Kaliczewski) Soborowicz. On June 4, 1949, she married John W. Zurakowski, at St. Hedwig’s Catholic Church, and together they farmed in the town of Reeseburg for many years. Known for her wittiness, strength, and deep love for family, she made her home in Thorp, Cadott, and Stanley. She especially treasured living in her final years at Fall Creek with her daughter Karen (Joel) Stuttgen — going for walks, sitting outside, watching hummingbirds or the horses, and most of all, time with family.

Frances was determined, resilient, and a true fighter. People often thought she was from Poland because of her accent, but it came from growing up with her Polish grandparents and entering first grade speaking only Polish. Her faith was quiet but unwavering — others often heard her reciting prayers.

Frances was a talented cook and a gifted creator who loved sewing, doll-making, ceramics, crossword puzzles, reading, jigsaw puzzles, coloring, playing cards, and iPad games with her children and grandchildren. During the time she lived in Stanley, she proudly biked over 2,500 miles around the city. One of her most cherished gifts to others was her delicate tatted snowflake ornaments — each made with patience, skill, and love. She passed this rare art on to two daughters and a granddaughter, along with her love of flowers and gardening to many children and grandchildren, which continues to bloom today.

Frances especially loved weekly walks with her grandson, Kyle Stuttgen, who pushed her wheelchair around Altoona and spoiled her with her favorite desserts. She also treasured visits from her granddaughter, Kendra Meek, and great-granddaughters, Zoe and Kinsley — proudly showing them off to residents and staff, coloring, working on puzzles, exercising with other residents, and enjoying their love and laughter.

Her family thanks St. Croix Hospice and Prairie Pointe Assisted Living for their loving care. Special gratitude to Cassandra Morgan, whose kindness and attention brought Frances comfort in her final days, and Jane Mueller, who faithfully visited and brought communion for 4½ years — your presence was a blessing. Frances is lovingly survived by her children, Jackie (Ray) Vetterkind of Thorp, Judy (Curly) Ranch of Woodbury, MN, Lori (Butch) Offord of Casa Grande, AZ, Karen (Joel) Stuttgen of Fall Creek, Kathy (Tad) Cromley of Sarasota, FL, and Tom (Edwina) Zurakowski of Sherwood, WI; her sister, Valerie Lewandowski of Thorp; her brothers, Joe (Donna) Soborowicz of Monteverde, FL, and Richard (Amy) Soborowicz of Seaside, OR. She also leaves behind 21 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Frances was welcomed into heaven by her parents, her husband John, her sons Wally and Pat, her brothers Ray and Tony, and her sisters Mikki and Lucy.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a funeral service on Friday, October 31, at 11:00 a.m. at Plombon Funeral Home in Stanley, with Father William Felix officiating. Burial will follow at St. Hedwig’s Catholic Cemetery in Thorp. Visitation will begin one hour before the service.

The family invites you to wear Frances’s favorite colors; purple or royal blue. In honor of Frances’s love of reading, memorials may be made to the Fall Creek Library “Beyond Words” campaign. fallcreekpubliclibrary.org/beyondwordscampaign