OBITUARY: Francis N. Muehlbauer

Francis N. Muehlbauer, age 74, of Brillion, passed away on Saturday, July 21, 2018 at his home surrounded by his family.

Francis was born on May 8, 1944 in Sheboygan, son of the late John and Rita (Schwoerer) Muehlbauer.  He was a graduate of St. Peter & Paul Catholic Grade School in 1958 and a Kiel High School graduate, class of 1962.  On May 1, 1965, he married Patricia Kuehnl at Holy Trinity in Jericho.  At a young age, Francis was intrigued by farming.  He helped his relatives on their farms, worked on the Ed Juckem farm, eventually he and Patricia purchased the farm they currently reside, living there for 45 years and farming 31 of those years.  He also had other various jobs, starting out at Lake to Lake Cheese, working at Manitowoc Cranes, and retiring from Ariens Co. after 15 years in 2010.  Francis had a call to help others, and it was demonstrated in his commitment to his church, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, later Holy Family Catholic Parish where he was a CCD hall monitor, would administer communion to the home bound, and he would lead the rosary at local assisted living facilities.  Francis was also very involved with the Meals on Wheels program.  He and Patricia enjoyed traveling almost everywhere, bowling in their younger years, and especially loved their family and attending sporting events for their grandchildren.  He enjoyed dancing and getting people out on the dance floor with his moves.  He loved people and was most happy when he was around them.

Francis is survived by his wife of 53 years, Patricia of Brillion; their children and spouses: Laura Schmitz, John Muehlbauer, Al (Cheri Steffen) Muehlbauer, Paula (Paul) Miller, and Kim (Keith) Behnke, all of Brillion; grandchildren: Shawn (Angie) Schmitz, Tyler Schmitz, Austin Mayhew Mc Clary, Ashley (Brandon) Pringnitz, Trisha (Chris) Loewenhagen, Kelsey Muehlbauer, Amanda (Kevin) Spatchek, Kylie Muehlbauer and fiancé Ross Helein, Dylan Muehlbauer, Anna Muehlbauer, Caden Steffen, Kayla (Ryan) Behnke, Alyssa (Nick) Nennig, and Morgan and Mason Behnke; great-grandchildren: Kylee, Levi, Owen, and Aaron; siblings: Carol (Joe) Woelfel, Jim (Laurie) Muehlbauer, Chuck Muehlbauer, Linda (Bob) Gries, and Mary (Scott) Eickert; other in-laws: Karen Sukowatey, Dr. Ken (Eileen) Kuehnl, Jane (Ed) Stephani, Dick (Chris) Kuehnl, and Mary (Dr. Darrell) Rauwerdink; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law and mother-in-law: Ervin and Loraine (Ludwig) Kuehnl, a sister-in-law: Rozann Muehlbauer, and other relatives.

Funeral Mass will take place at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 26, 2018 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Brillion.  Officiating will be the Rev. Tom Pomeroy.  Entombment will be in Knollwood Mausoleum, town of Kossuth.

Friends may call at the church on Wednesday evening, July 25, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.   A rosary and prayer service will conclude the evening.  Visitation will continue on Thursday morning from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.

Online condolences may be made.

We would like to thank Hilbert/Potter first responders, Ascension Calumet Hospital staff and Ascension Hospice nurses for their loving care.