Submitted by: Dan Rich

Francis R. Wasmer

March 15, 1918 - Feb. 12, 2001

South Bend Tribune 2/13/2001

Francis R. Wasmer, 82, of Darden Road, Granger, Ind., died at 12:24 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 12, in Saint Joseph Community Hospital, Mishawaka, Ind. Mr. Wasmer was born on March 15, 1918, in Gilman, Ill., to Louis B. and Martha M. (Washburn) Wasmer, and had lived in Granger since 1968, coming from Gilman.

On Feb. 22, 1938, in Gilman, he married Eileen Richards, who survives. Also surviving are three daughters, Elaine C. (Cecil) Bull of Onarga, Ill., Madonna J. (Thomas) Finney of Kileen, Texas, and Louise F. (Dennis) Conrad of Danforth, Ill.; four sons, Raymand C. (Cheryl) Wasmer of Mishawaka, Richard W. (Debbie) Wasmer of South Bend, Ind., and Phillip L. (Lori) Wasmer and Thomas J. (Carol Roman) Wasmer, both of Granger; 21 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson; and by two sisters, Mary (Lindsey) Blotcky of Normal, Ill., and Lucille (John) Kramer of Newland, N.C. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Joan B. Goben in December 2000; two sisters, Esther Forrest and Helen Vanderland; a brother, Edward Wasmer; and by a grandson.

Mr. Wasmer retired as a construction superintendent for Holiday Inns of America in 1975. He also worked as a farmer in Gilman until 1967, and in his own construction business. He was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church and the American Legion. He was a quality woodworking craftsman and enjoyed many hours of making various articles out of wood, including clocks and guitars. He was a talented musician, playing with various bands in the area, and also enjoyed oil painting.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 14, in St. Pius X Catholic Church, with Rev. William Neidhart, CSC, officiating. Burial will take place at noon on Thursday, Feb. 15, at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Gilman. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. today, Feb. 13, in the Welsheimer Funeral Home North, 17033 Cleveland Road, where a parish Rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to The American Heart Association or to The American Cancer Society.