Obituary for Francis "Frank" L. Clements

Francis "Frank" Clements of Barre Mills has left our world peacefully at home with the help of Gunderson Hospice angels. He was born to Alois and Alice Clements in La Crosse County on February 1, 1938. He grew up on a farm with 6 siblings and later joined the National Guards and Reserves.

In December 1959, Frank married Elaine Mary Schmidt. They had 5 children. Frank worked at John Deere and later at Trane Company as an assembler for 38 years. He also worked as a landscaper. After retirement he worked part time for the Town of Barre Mills. Frank’s hobbies were deer and turkey hunting, but his favorite was rabbit hunting with his various beagles. Cutting wood, gardening, and fishing at Lake Neshonoc, Lake Michigan and Chetek were also his hobbies. He kept very busy - even having time to check out a casino occasionally.

Frank is survived by his wife, four children: Kevin, Lori (Dale) Sennes, Julie (Gordon) Dedrickson, and Mike; 5 grandchildren: Jen (Peter) Sumner, Ryan (Rose) Dedrickson, Cody Clements, Chelsea (Jay) Deleon, and Donald (girlfriend Hannah) Dedrickson; 7 great-grandchildren (plus one on the way); three sisters: Carol Breidel, Gin Stelloh and Elaine MacMartin; and one brother David.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws (Clarence and Alvina Schmidt), son Todd, great-granddaughter (Lena), two sisters (Marie Kaiser and Rose Potaracke), and brothers-in-law.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, January 31st at 11 am at St. Teresa of Kolkata, West Salem with visitation prior to the funeral starting at 9 am until 10:45 am. Monsignor Jeffrey Burrill and Deacon Robert Zietlow will officiate. A luncheon will follow the Mass. A private burial will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to an organization of the donor’s choice in memory of Frank.

We would like to thank everyone from the Gundersen hospice team that helped Frank these past few months, especially Dawn, Jessica, Michelle, and Jason. We really appreciate your expertise and kindness, allowing Frank to stay home in his final days.

Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, West Salem, is assisting the family.

Online condolences may be offered at www.fredricksonfuneralhomes.com.