Frances Marie Hirchert

Frances Marie Hirchert

January 12, 1923 - April 02, 2026

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Obituary

Frances “Fran” Marie Hirchert, 103, of Platteville, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, April 2, 2026.

Fran was born on January 12, 1923, in Chicago, Illinois, to Rudolph and Julia (Raboch) Young, who immigrated from Prague, Czechoslovakia. She was the first of her family to be born in America. On September 14, 1940, she was united in marriage to Edward “Eddie” Hirchert in Chicago.

During World War II, Fran worked at National Biscuit Company (NABISCO), and later at the post offices in Chicago and Palatine, Illinois. She devoted much of her life to caring for her family as a homemaker. In retirement, Fran and Eddie moved to Wisconsin, where they owned and operated the Plaza Motel in Dickeyville from 1976 to 1981. After selling the motel, they made their home in Platteville.

Fran was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the VFW Auxiliary, and the Platteville Homemakers Club. She enjoyed crossword and jigsaw puzzles, playing Scrabble and cards, and especially cherished time spent outdoors—gardening, bird watching, fishing, and appreciating the beauty of nature.

She is survived by her children, Connie (Bill) Stadelmann; Eddie (Wanda) Hirchert, Jr.; MaryLou (Jim) Wydeen; and Dan (Lisa) Hirchert; daughter-in-law, Rose Hirchert; sister-in-law, Mildred Hoffman; 14 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and 6 great-great-grandchildren; as well as special friends Kevin Butson and Len Wilkins, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Eddie; her daughter, Nancy; her son, Bill; her grandson, Jeffrey; her son-in-law, Jack; two sisters, Marie and Ann; her brother, Joseph; and her parents, Rudolph and Julia.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, April 10, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Platteville. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Platteville. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Friday at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory in Platteville.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.melbyfh.com.

The family extends their sincere gratitude to the dedicated staff at Edenbrook of Platteville for the exceptional care and compassion shown to Fran during her time there. They are also grateful to St. Croix Hospice for their attentive care and support, which provided comfort to Fran and her loved ones. The family is also deeply appreciative of the kindness, companionship, and sense of community shared by Fran’s circle of friends at Edenbrook. 

Events

10
Visitation
Fri Apr 10, 2026 @ 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT

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Bob Busch
Friend •
I'll always remember Fran and Eddie driving by on Major Ln. with a smile and wave. They always supported the kids when they we'er at St. Mary's. I even remember them in Dickeyville with a smile and support. Going to miss Her. Bless them both and their Family!! Bob Busch
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Diane Schauss
Family •
I will always remember Aunt Frances for being honest and straight forward. Her visits with my parents...John an Anne Schramm toop place on my deck in Boulder Junction where I would hear and marvel at their conversations of "old times'! Humor was always part of the conversations when 'THOSE SISTERS' conversed...I will miss Aunt Frances but never forget the JOY she leaves behind. I'm sure she and my mother Anne are chatting it up in HEAVEN!! Rest well Aunt Frances...you earned the rest! Love Diane Schauss
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Ed & Eleanor Vrieland
Family •
We are sad to hear of Aunt Fran's passing but glad that we were able to visit with her and some of our cousins a few years ago. She had a joyful spirit, a ready laugh, and a beautiful smile. She had a knack for giving just the right gift for birthdays. I particularly remember a blouse with a football theme when I was in high school....it was really "in". Another memory is that of a Chicken & Rice casserole she served that is one of our favorite meals to this day! We send our deepest sympathy and pray that God will bless you with His comfort and peace. With Love, Ed & Eleanor Vrieland stsome of our cousins a few years ago. She had a joyful spirit, a ready laugh, and a welcoming smile! She also had a knack for giving treasured gifts. I can still picture a blouse that she gave me for my birthday when I was a teenager.....it was really "in"! Another memory that I have is of a Chicken & Rice casserole that she served
KH
Karen Habel
Friend •
I knew Fran thru the VFW aux. such a sweet and fun lady. A willing worker on many projects. My sympathy to her family.
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Lee
Friend •
When I first met Fran in 1999, I felt as though I had known her forever! She was so sweet and I loved talking with her! One time Steve and I were up in Wisconsin with Connie and Bill and at night we played cared with the three of them! Boy was Fran competitive when she was playing a card game “Shove It”! She won almost every time! I will miss keeping up with her on Facebook and her loving all the recipes I posted. I’ll see you again Fran!

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