June 12, 1933 - March 8, 2025
A Funeral Mass for Fran will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 24, 2025, at Divine Mercy Parish - St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Bancroft. Burial will be at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 23 at Oakcrest Funeral Services of Bancroft. Visitation will conclude with a prayer service at 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. John’s Catholic Church, St. Croix Hospice or Accura Healthcare of Bancroft in Fran’s name.
Francis Dennis Schiltz was born June 12, 1933, on the farm in Bancroft; the son of Arnold and Ella (Vaske) Schiltz. He grew up in Bancroft and graduated from St. John’s High School in 1951.
On Sept. 17, 1957, he was united in marriage to Darlene Busch at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ledyard. Fran and Darlene shared countless memories together, from attending their son’s baseball games to playing cards with family and friends. Fran and Darlene enjoyed square dancing in their early married years. They also loved the thrill of a good game at the casino, particularly the slot machines.
They enjoyed traveling, including trips with his siblings to Branson, Mo. and one to visit his sister, Sr. Eileen, in Spokane, Wash. via Amtrak.
Fran’s career was marked by a wide range of roles. He began his career at Western Waterproofing Co., where he played a key role in the steeple construction of St. John’s Catholic Church. He then spent 48 years with Ley Motor Co. in Buffalo Center, Forest City and Lakota, beginning in 1952, and he continued with the company until its closure. Instead of retiring, Fran decided to work for Welp’s Hatchery and International Poultry, delivering chickens across Missouri, Nebraska, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Fran also took great pride in mowing lawns for his neighbors and friends until his full retirement in 2019.
Fran was incredibly proud of his family. He found great joy in attending his children and grandchildren’s activities. Fran’s love of sports brought him much happiness, especially when watching his favorite teams, the Minnesota Twins and the Boston Red Sox. A highlight of his life was when his daughter Colleen took him to a Red Sox game at Fenway Park. Fran treasured the fishing trips he took with his boys to Minnesota. Fran’s strong faith was an important part of his life. He was a proud member of the Catholic Order of Foresters, serving as state trustee for the Iowa Chapter and a devoted member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Bancroft.
Fran gained his wings Saturday, March 8 at Accura Healthcare of Bancroft. He was 91.
He is survived by his wife, Darlene of Bancroft; children, Bruce (Dianne) Schiltz of Granger, Doug Schiltz of Livermore, Brian Schiltz of Osceola, Kevin Schiltz of Winterport, Maine, Colleen (Ron) Schneider-Pearce of Ankeny, Darwin Schiltz of Spencer; 16 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; siblings; Lois Ferguson of Mesa, Ariz., Anthony (Judy) Schiltz of Algona, Richard Schiltz of Overland Park, Mo.; sisters-in-law, Dianne Schiltz of Bancroft, Mary Schiltz of Estherville; a special nephew, Allen Busch of Bancroft; and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death are his parents, Arnold and Ella Schiltz; siblings, Sister Eileen Schiltz, Edward Schiltz, David Schiltz, Donald Schiltz; parents-in-law, Alfred and Susanna Busch; brothers-in-law, Delbert Ferguson and Duane Busch; and sisters-in-law, Rose Schiltz, JoAnn Schiltz, Maxine Eller and Alvira Busch.
Oakcrest Funeral Services of Bancroft in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made to www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com.