Francis M. Schliesman

Francis "Frank" Mark Schliesman, age 90 of Beaver Dam, passed away on Thursday, June 11, 2026 at Hillside Manor.

Frank was most proud of his family and so grateful to see his children as successful adults, and have the opportunity to be actively involved with his 4 granddaughters from the time they were babies and into their adulthood. Frank had a passion for woodworking and created each granddaughter their own special rocking horse. He then shared his talents and created woodworking cars, trains, and piiggy banks, to give to his friends’ for their grandkids.

Frank was born September 14, 1935 to Mark and Adeline Schliesman. He was their second of 6 children. He graduated from Columbus High School. Frank provided 2 years of service to the US Army, then initiated a career as a farm equipment mechanic. His skills to fix the very equipment that aided the agricultural needs of this area made him proud. He worked with many local farmers and then retired from Friday Canning Company.

 He was married to Virginia Link of Beaver Dam in September of 1962. They made a life in Beaver Dam to raise their family and become active members of the community. Frank was a member of St. Katharine Drexel Parish and the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed his time and the friends he made the many years he had a permanent camper at Willow Mills Campground and they were members of several local bowling leagues. Frank and his family had many joyful vacations and holidays together that he captured with a video camera. His kids were not happy about posing and talking to the camera at the time, but do appreciate the value of these video memories later in life.

His golden years had to be rerouted when he lost his beloved wife of 40 years, Ginger, in 2002. Despite this loss and a significant medical setback, Frank lived life fully. His primary priority was his granddaughters. He watched them in school concerts, sports, graduations, weddings, and was willing to help with pickups and drop offs to those activities. In his retirement he became a seasonal employee at the Beaver Dam School and provided lawn maintenance services, joined activities at the Watermark, and his Catholic identity remained important to him. He became a video game bowling champion in the Watermark league.

Frank spent his final years at Hillside Manor. He enjoyed bringing a smile to other residents by sharing his word search books with them.

Survivors include his children, Tammy (Fran) Kilian, Todd Schliesman, Troy (Michelle) Schliesman; his granddaughters, Samantha (Kyle) Schade, Kristine (Skylar) Eberle, Sara (Chase) Kruger, and Emily Schliesman; great-grandchildren, Lonnie Eberle, Elodie Eberle, and Cliff Kruger; sister, Rose (Leonard) Hein; sister-in-law Kathy Schliesman; brother-in-law, Glen (Barb) Link; godchildren, Brett Link and Jessica Reeve; and further survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ginger; and other relatives.

A memorial gathering for Frank will take place on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Beaver Dam from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the memorial service at 6:00 p.m with Deacon Ed Cody officiating. Private family inurnment will take place at Highland Memory Gardens, town of Trenton.