Frances "Fran" Hursh Obituary

FRANCES “FRAN” CAROLYN HURSH, age 94 of Waseca, died on the afternoon of Friday, October 17, 2025, at Whispering Creek Nursing Home in Janesville.

Fran was born in Waseca on March 14, 1931, to parents Franklin “Frank” and Elsa (Bartsch) Papke. After graduating summa cum laude from Waseca High School in 1949 she continued her education at Mankato Commercial College where she specialized in bookkeeping. She worked for the E.F. Johnson Company and then concluded her career working at the Waseca County Courthouse. Fran’s happiest moment was meeting Wayne, and her greatest joy was their marriage. They were married on June 10, 1967, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Waseca. The love and devotion they shared inspired everyone around them. Together, they spent time doing handicrafts like cross stitch, embroidery, and rug making. They enjoyed devotions together every day of their marriage. As active members of St. Paul Lutheran Church, they were involved in many church activities. When Wayne passed away in April 2023, Fran’s heart broke. Her greatest desire was to be reunited with him in Heaven and so now, we rejoice that they are together with Jesus.

Fran is survived by her nieces and nephews as well as her great nieces and nephews who loved her deeply. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sister, and her niece.

The family offers heartfelt thanks to the staff of Whispering Creek Nursing Home and St. Croix Hospice. Their tender and compassionate care ensured Fran’s last years and final days were comfortable and peaceful. We are also grateful for the constant love and support of Fran’s devoted friends, whose loyalty and friendship she cherished deeply.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Waseca, with Rev. Michael Grannis officiating. Visitation will be held for one hour before the service at the church on Thursday. A private family interment will follow at Woodville Cemetery in Waseca.