Francis Charles Gwinn

Francis Charles Gwinn

It is with heavy hearts that we share that Fran passed away February 25, 2026 surrounded by family.  He was born May 19, 1941 in Radisson, WI.  Fran grew up in Butternut on a small farm, attending grades 1-3 in a one room school (Elmer School) and graduated from Glidden High School in 1959. Fran earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1964 and Masters of Science degree in 1979 from UW-Stout. 

At Stout, Fran met Lois and they were married August 15, 1964 (61 years).  They moved to Oshkosh where Fran taught Industrial Technology in the Oshkosh Area School District for 33 years, retiring in 1997.   Fran was a natural teacher, both in and out of the classroom.  He had a curious nature and was always learning new things.

Fran was old-school in the best ways.  He was genuine, very practical and led by example with hard work, a strong sense of integrity and always with humor. 

We were blessed to have him as a husband, father, grandpa, uncle, brother, teacher and friend. We are all his legacy and his advice, stories, jokes and strength lives on through each of us.

Fran enjoyed nature, hunting and fishing, especially trips to Isle Royale National Park. He and Lois retired to Butternut, and Fran started CPA Forest Products, logging, sawing with his Wood-Mizer sawmill and selling boughs and wreaths until 2019. He did more manual labor in retirement than most people ever do.

Fran served the community as a Director for Price Electric Cooperative (2000-2018), Town of Peeksville Supervisor (4 years) and Chairperson (4 years). Fran treasured the friends and experiences he made in these roles.

He is survived by his wife Lois, son Douglas, daughter Andrea (John) Oman and 5 grandchildren:  Mikala (Ben) Talbot, William (Abby) Gwinn, Mary Oman, Jack Oman, Sam Oman.  In addition, he is survived by his siblings Nancy Ziebell, Barbara Hollrith, James Gwinn and David (Mary) Gwinn; in-laws Duane (Kendra) Kostman, Charlotte Gwinn and many nieces and nephews, relatives and friends. 

Fran was preceded in death by his parents William and Mary (Golob) Gwinn; brother William Gwinn; sister, Patricia Gwinn; sister-in-law Patrice Gwinn; and brother-in-laws Ronald Ziebell and Paul Hollrith. 

Please join us in celebrating Fran’s life-well-lived on Saturday, March 14th at First Congregational Church, 279 North 1st Ave, Park Falls, WI. Visitation will be 10:00 am to the time of the service at 11:30 am.  Lunch will be served at the church immediately following the service.  A private burial will take place at a later date.

Wear your favorite flannel in his honor and bring your favorite story!  Come as you are!