RACINE - Fran “Tootie” Smetana (nee: Bauer) died of natural causes in the quiet, early hours of July 12, 2016, just 17 days after her 91st birthday. She was born on June 25, 1925 in Arlington Heights, IL, into a large family. At a young age, she moved with her parents to Sturtevant to start a vegetable farm. At one time they even grew tomatoes that were sold to make Campbell’s Soup. She and her 9 siblings would remain extremely close throughout their lives, meeting often to share meals and gossip. Family was #1 to her. A true testament to the deep bond they developed as a hard-working farm family. In 1949, she married Joseph Smetana, a man 2 years her junior, who stretched the truth to convince Fran that he was older in order to make himself a viable suitor. The truth eventually prevailed but by then it was too late, Fran had fallen for him and he for her and they began their life together. When Joe died in 2003 they had been married 54 years. They raised four kids together: Linda (William) Seidel, Cindy (Donald) Morin, Joseph (Silvia) Smetana, and Michele. Michele was born with Down’s Syndrome and was dependent on her dad and mom her entire life. Well into her 80’s Fran was Michele’s primary caregiver, and she cared for Michele with tenderness, devotion and an astonishing level of love. Their connection was remarkable and unbreakable; the kind most people could only dream of finding. Michele was her pride. Fran was a woman who liked to keep busy. She inherited her work ethic on her parents farm and put it to use in various jobs throughout her life. Being a nurturing mother kept her busy when her family was young. After her kids were older she spent the next phase of her life working long hours in various restaurants and banquet halls throughout Racine, including many years as the banquet manager at the old Racine Motor Inn. She ended her career when she was well into her 70s, as a sample lady at Sam’s Club. In the evenings, she’d keep the light on late in her seamstress shop in her basement, sewing Halloween costumes for her grandkids, hemming clothes, and ironing her family’s clothes with an unparalleled precision. She took great pride in the way she dressed. Her clothes were always well-matched and sharp, even in Fran’s last years. She always looked great and very fashionable! Her grandkids fondly recall vivid memories of the annual birthday shopping trips she’d take them on, where they got to spend one-on-one time with their Nana. She’d let them pick out whatever clothes they wanted, and then take them out to the restaurant of their choosing. In short, she spoiled them, and they’re eternally grateful both to and for her. Fran is survived by her 3 living children and their spouses, 4 grandchildren and their spouses, and 4 great-grandchildren. Her family will always remember her unbounded energy, drive, fondness for slot machines and lotto cards, her Italian meatballs, and her insanely delicious and mac and cheese. They will miss her always and forever! A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Monday, July 18, 2016 at 11:00 am in St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6400 Spring Street, with Rev. Terrance J. Huebner officiating. A luncheon will follow. Visitation will be in the church on Monday from 10-11 am. Private interment will take place at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Memorials to Hospice Alliance or to Careers Industries have been suggested. The family thanks the staff at Hospice Alliance – Hospice House in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin for their kind and caring attention that made Fran’s last weeks peaceful and comfortable. Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home & Crematory 4600 County Line Rd. 552-9000 www.draeger-langendorf.com