Obituary of Francis Wilger

May 15, 1930 - October 7, 2014 Francis "Fran" H. Wilger passed away on October 7, 2014 at age 84 from cancer. He was born May 15, 1930 in Athens, Wisconsin to Paul and Alma Wilger. He is survived by Beverly, his wife of 59 years; 6 daughters, Kathleen (Dan) Wilger Lee, Carol Wilger, Diane (Robert) Bond, Dawn (Kevin) Streett, Barbara (Edward) Aguon, Sandra (John) Wilger Gutsmiedl; eight grandsons, three granddaughters and two step-granddaughters; his sister Lucille (Gordon) Plautz, Eau Claire, Wisconsin. He is preceded in death by his parents, five brothers and one sister. Fran graduated from Athens High School in 1949, then attended St. John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota until being drafted into the US Army, serving during the Korean War from 1952-59. He married Beverly Braun in 1955. They honeymooned to Tacoma, Washington to visit relatives where they allegedly "went broke," set up homestead and started their family. He was employed by Boeing Aircraft for two years, then lured into door-to-door selling of a variety of products. Fran eventually followed his aspirations to become an insurance agent starting with Allstate for five years, then transitioning as a Farmers Insurance Agent in Junction City for 44 years, retiring at the age of 82. His slogan was printed on his office sign "Insurance from someone who cares" and always said to customers "If I can save you money, great! If not, we're still friends." Other snappy little sayings like "Don't take chances, deal with Francis" and "Fran the Man" were often used. The Farmers Insurance office was shared with Hans Rasmussen, Real Estate. Hans proudly converted Fran to be a "Dane" in his first year and then invited him to be a Viking at the Junction City Scandinavian Festival. After this initiation he became the organizer of the Vikings at the festival for 37 years, as well as, providing a Viking presence at other events. Fran received the 1990 Gale Fletchall Award for his extended participation and distinguished service to the festival. Fran was a faithful member of St. Mark Catholic Church since 1960, member of Marist Men's Club for nearly 20 years, member of Junction City American Legion and Chamber of Commerce, donor to Lane Memorial Blood Bank (89 units). Fran loved and enjoyed people. He was especially fascinated by children and how carefree they were, lacking worries and concerns of the real world. He relished joining them in this creative playfulness whenever he could. The fun activities with them included swimming, go-carting, roller-blading, biking, motorcycling, giving "horsey" rides, playing "man, man kill the can" and any games that he could act at least half his age while playing. His passion was to give the kids an opportunity to experience joy, smiles and laughter. Other interests he liked included flipping used cars, pruning trees (despite how crazy it made Beverly), sneaking to DQ, picking blackberries and sharing an early morning cup of coffee with the gang of "old guys" at McDonalds. He loved listening to polka and western music but would only dance to slow "ear lobe chewing" songs. Fran was witty and could always come up with a funny joke, saying, gadget or picture to generate a smile or chuckle with a friend. He was an avid fan of the U of O Ducks. Fran had a tender heart for elders by loving and supporting them whenever possible. He was considerate and respectful of each person and was intuitive about their needs. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Fran was proxy "Dad" and "Papa" for many friends who didn't have family nearby. The stories shared with family, of his generosity to others is overwhelming. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Mark Catholic Church in Eugene, Oregon on Saturday, October 18 at 2pm. Burial will be in Portland on Monday, October 20 at Willamette National Cemetery at 12:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Mark Catholic Church or Carmelite Nuns. Arrangements entrusted to Musgrove Family Mortuary, please access the obituary and you are invited to sign the guestbook at www.Musgroves.com.