Frances Piehl

With sadness we announce the death of Frances K. Piehl who passed away on her birthday, February 23rd, 2010 in Tomahawk, WI. She was 1 ½ hours into her 96th year. Her absence is deeply felt by her family, friends, and community of others who knew her. Frances' long commitment to her church, especially through music, was a tradition in her life. She was born on Feb 23rd, 1914 in Mosinee, the youngest daughter of Alfred Kernin, an engineer with the Mosinee Paper mill, and Louise Kernin, originally from the Sartell family of Sartell, MN. Frances was a student of music from an early age, studying piano and voice. She was inspired no doubt by both her mother who played such great melodies on the piano by ear and her father who was well known in the area where he sang at many events. Alfred and Louise also taught her the card game of bridge at an early age which she learned to love and continued to play impressively well until the day before her passing. As a young woman she attended Lawrence College Conservatory of Music graduating with majors in music education and piano performance. At Lawrence she was chosen Best Loved by her classmates. Soon afterward she began her career as a music teacher with a position in Seymour WI. Frances married William Piehl, of Seymour on October 9th, 1937. The family moved to Tomahawk in 1948 when Bill (William) purchased the Raymond Lumber Company. Frances is predeceased by her loving husband, Bill in 2001, and daughter, Susan in 2008. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Jo Jess and husband Lee of Grand Rapids, MN., her son Fred and wife Marilyn of Wolfeboro, NH., and son-in-law, BJ Pierce of Clovis, New Mexico. Her grandchildren are Julie Jolstad, Susan Stauffer, David Jess, John Pierce, Melissa Knoll, Frederick Piehl, and Mark Piehl. Her great grandchildren are Jake and Brooke Jolstad, Jessica and William Stauffer, and Phoebe and Sophie Knoll. To know this Bible verse is to know Mom; Keep alert, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NRSV). A Memorial Service is planned for Friday June 18th, 11am at Grace Lutheran Church Tomahawk. The family will greet visitors beginning at 10:00 am.