Frances Gepner

“Weeping may remain for a night; but rejoicing comes in the morning.” ~ Ps. 30:5

Frances “Fran” Gepner was born at home in City Point, Jackson County, Wisconsin to John B. and Salomea (Zajac) Borek. She was baptized into Christ, and later confirmed into the Lutheran faith at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids on December 7, 1952. Frances attended Spaulding School in Jackson County, graduated as Valedictorian of Black River Falls High School in 1948, and was the first in her family to attend college (Central State Teacher’s College in Stevens Point, grad. 1950). Fran’s high school class motto was “Less than our best is failure.” This is how she lived her life, although, for Fran, fulfillment held a deeper meaning in her personal life as a Christian.

While working as a teacher in Marshfield, Fran boarded with an aunt of Delbert “Del” Gepner. Soon after they met, they began dating. They married on August 22, 1953 and later moved to Milwaukee, and eventually, Hartland. Fran and Del raised a family of six children: five girls and one boy. They were active members of Zion Lutheran Church and were very involved within the church. Together they worked to give their children a sound Christian upbringing within and outside of their church.

Fran lived a life of service; to her family, her church, and in all that she did. While working as a clerk at Jackson’s Department Store, then later at Hartland Elementary as a custodian, Fran continued to be a loving homemaker, passing these skills on to her children. She was involved at church in many capacities, being leader for Lutheran Girl and Boy Pioneers, Sunday School teacher, Youth Group, Ladies Aid, Dorcas Guild, Altar Guild, Church Library, and cleaning and decorating committees. Her servant’s heart continued when Zion opened a school where Fran often tutored, served hot lunches, and also did general cleaning. As she became a grandmother and great-grandmother, she never hesitated to enjoy and be readily involved with her growing family.

Fran is preceded in death by her husband Del (1979); daughter, Monica Minzlaff (2021); grandson, Luke Gepner (2022), and other friends/loved ones. Fran is survived by four daughters, Nancy McGillis, Beth (Craig Stapleton), Lenice (David Miller), and Rosemary (Michael Wolf); her only son, Theodore (Ramona); son-in-law, Jay Minzlaff; 16 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and many other dear relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be at Evert-Luko Funeral Home, 170 Warren Avenue, in Hartland on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. Internment immediately following at Hartland Village Cemetery. There will be a light luncheon for family and friends at Zion Lutheran Church/School afterward, 1023 E. Capitol Drive, Hartland. 

The family would like to suggest memorials in Frances’ name to Zion Lutheran Church or ProHealth Home Hospice.