Frances Arlene “Fran” Gill was born Oct. 16, 1931, to George and Mary (Rotter) Wachter in Beaver Crossing, and entered her heavenly home May 18, 2025, in Seward, at the age of 93 years, 7 months and 2 days.
Fran was raised in Beaver Crossing, where she attended school, graduating with the Class of 1949. Our Lord gave Fran the gift of music, and at the young age of 8 years old, Fran started taking piano lessons. She started playing the organ at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Beaver Crossing at the age of 9. Fran moved to Seward and started attending St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, where she served as the director of music and head organist for over 50 years. She was very involved in St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, working in the CCD office for over 40 years as well as the church librarian.
Fran was united in marriage to John "Jack" Gill on Feb. 7, 1950, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Beaver Crossing. To this union, four children were born, John, James, Daniel and Carol. Fran was a part of a great Bible study group during her life. She loved playing bridge, Mexican Train Dominoes and working on sudoku puzzles.
Fran is preceded in death by her parents; husband, John "Jack" Gill; grandson, Kevin Gill; and son-in-law, Rod Held.
Survivors cherishing her memory include her children and spouses, John (Diane) Gill of Malcolm, James (Bailey) Gill of Scottsdale, Arizona, Daniel (Leslie) Gill of Lincoln, and Carol Held of Santa Claus, Indiana; 11 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sister-in-law, Mary Croissant; brother-in-law, John Rotter; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.
Visitation is Tuesday, May 27, from 1 – 4 p.m. at Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home and family will received friends from 6 – 7 p.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, May 28, at 10:30 a.m. at the church with interment at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Friend. Memorial contributions are suggested to the church.
Arrangements by Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home.
