Francis "Fran" E. Lemley

Francis E. (Fran) Lemley, 92, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 6, 2026, with family at his side.  Francis was born on July 5, 1934 to Francis M. and Arlene (Godber) Lemley in Kalona, Iowa, where he was best known as Sonny. After graduating from Kalona High School, he served in the US Air Force as a staff sergeant doing maintenance on fighter jets.  He met the love of his life, Mary Schoultz, through a close friend on a blind date.  They were married on October 18, 1958, at St Mary Catholic Church in Menasha. Once moving to the Fox Valley, Fran owned and operated Lemley’s Pure Oil service station in Neenah.  He went on to work for US Paper for 30 years, until his retirement.  Fran and Mary enjoyed a long, loving marriage of 66 years until Mary’s passing in October 2024.  They raised two sons and two daughters and had fun traveling and camping. In retirement they were snow birds and wintered in Gulf Shores, Alabama and Yuma, Arizona.  Fran’s other hobbies included cars and aviation.  He was a long time member of EAA and St Mary Catholic Church.  Fran will be remembered as a proud man who had a great love for his family.

Francis is survived by his sons: James (Kathy) Lemley, Steven (Joy Alexander) Lemley; daughters: Mary Beth (Chris) Brandl, Susan (Jarrett) McDonald; grandchildren; great-grandchildren, his brother David Lemley, two brothers-in-law, three sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  Francis was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mary, his father and mother-in-law Albin and Marie (Walbrun) Schoultz, a sister Marjorie Swartzendruber, and a son-in-law Dennis Thayer.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at The Heritage and ThedaCare At Home Hospice for their care and compassion.

The funeral Mass for Francis will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Mary Catholic Church (528 Second St., Menasha).  Family and friends will gather at the church at 10:00 A.M. until the hour of service.  He will be laid to rest at St. Mary Cemetery, Menasha.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established.

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