Frances L. Schmitz, 86, of Malone "Pipe", passed away peacefully Thursday, September 14, 2017, at Manor Care Nursing Facility in Fond du Lac. Fran was born October 18, 1930 at St. Agnes Hospital to Richard and Louise (Bartel) Schmitz. She attended grade school in Marytown and Pipe and graduated from St. Mary's Springs High School in 1948. Fran worked at Mercury Marine from 1950 until retiring in 1984. After retiring, Fran and her life-long friend, Frances "Gibby" Gibson, "The Fran's", owned and operated the Clay Pipe Ceramic Studio in Pipe. They also made many special occasion cakes; mostly for weddings. Fran was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Johnsburg. Survivors include her sister-in-law, Janet Chauncy; two nephews; a niece; a cousin, Andy (Carol) Bartel; extended cousins; god-children, other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, Richard and Louise Schmitz, she was preceded in death by her life-long friend, Frances "Gibby" Gibson; her brothers, Sylvester Schmitz and an infant brother, Richard Schmitz; and two infant sisters, Dorothy A. Schmitz and Dorothy M. Schmitz. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 28, 2017 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Johnsburg (N9288 County Road W, Malone, WI 53049). Rev. Gary Wegner, OFM Cap will officiate. Visitation: Family and friends may gather at the church Saturday morning from 10:00 AM until 10:45 AM. For additional information, please contact the Sippel Funeral Home in New Holstein, (920) 898-4300 or visit www.sippelfuneralhome.net. Fran's family would like to offer their sincere appreciation to Manor Care Nursing Home staff, Heartland Hospice care givers, Deer View Meadows Assisted Living, Above and Beyond Home Caregivers, and Lakeland Care District.