Frances Thomack

On October 15th Frances "Bonny" Thomack, 90, passed away peacefully at home. In the 90 years of her life Bonny had three major passions; family, faith and food. She was born in the Town of Liberty outside of New London. She spent most of her childhood helping on the family farm, caring for her siblings and school. One of her greatest memories was hitching rides on the milk truck to visit her grandparents in the city. She would spend weekends with her grandma in the kitchen learning how to cook/bake and from there her passion for food began. She passed on this tradition with her own grandchildren and spent many hours baking and decorating holiday cookies with them while the radio would softly play hymns in the background.

Bonny did not keep her passion for cooking to her family. She transferred it to her work in Manawa's school food service program. Starting as a dishwasher, Bonny worked her way up sharing in most all kitchen duties there. When asked, she stepped up to the management position, returning to school where she received her certification in Food Service Management. She led the Manawa's school food service program until retirement. Her love for cooking showed through her collection of recipe clippings & her many secret recipes for the family to cherish for years to come. For any event or just an average evening, she would be the first to ask, "What should I make?"

Her other great passions in life were her family and her faith. In her youth she loved to dance and that's how she met her husband of 65 years. She married Wesley Thomack in September 1948 and raised 6 children together on the family farm in the Bear Creek Township. She leaves behind her children and their families. Sharon (Thomack) & Arlyn Wepner, Manawa & family, Janice (Thomack) Bartholomew, Clintonville. Judy (Thomack) & Pete Stoffel, Appleton. Dawn (Thomack) & Tina Wilson, Green Bay. Her brother Ray (Lavern) Bonnin of Appleton.

Grandchildren: Jennie (Scott) Uttech, Jeff (Linda) Wepner, Julie (Brian) Wegener, Janalea (Bret) Romberg, Jenise (Ryan) Fredrick, Jared Wepner, Justin (Shannon) Wepner. Sheila (Shane )Lewis, Rick Schlomann, Todd Schlomann. Stacey (Jeff) Wagner, Laura (Brad) Mathewson. Nikki (Andy) Voss, Alicia (Scott) Korth, Melissa Thomack (Otto). Victoria Kraemer. She leaves 33 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren.

She was confirmed in her faith at Emanuel Lutheran Church and became a member of Trinity Lutheran Church at marriage for the rest of her life. Bonny was involved with the ladies aid and altar guild. Bible study, card club and the local homemaker's club were just some groups and events that she looked forward to attending and hosting. She was very social and involved.

She lived a full life with many joys, and her share of sorrows, but was resilient. She didn't allow the challenges of life to harden her heart. To her last day, she was a kind, gentle hearted woman. To her, it was the little things that counted. She was a particular woman who liked things a certain way. Her family will remember so many little things, hiding away cookies in the dishwasher for the "just swinging by" visits, always having a hot meal ready for the hunters, and never letting anyone leave her home with an empty belly. The family home was always open and welcoming because of her hard work and kindness for anyone near.

Mom, Grandma, Sister, Aunt, Friend - we are grateful to all that you have been to us. Jesus blessed us with you for so long - now return to him "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your lord."

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 21st from 10 AM - 12 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church in the Town of Bear Creek. A service celebrating Bonny's life will follow at 12 PM with Pastor Aric Fenske officiating. Burial will be in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Bear Creek.