Frances Bartunek Obituary
Frances "Franny" M. Bartunek, 86, of Grand Island passed away at her home on Tuesday, February 7, 2023.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, February 12, 2023 at All Faiths Funeral Home.
Services in Fran's honor will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 13, 2023 at All Faiths Funeral Home Dan Naranjo will officiate. Burial to Follow at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery.
All Faiths Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.
Fran was born on July 30, 1936 at Hoskins, Ne, daughter of Reuben and Irmel (Bowman) Voecks.
She was raised in Hoskins where she graduated from Hoskins High School. She moved to Norfolk where she owned and operated her own restaurant. On January 17, 1964. She married the love of her life, Dawayne Bartunek. Fran traveled with Dawayne for his job to make their time on the road more home like. The couple moved to Centerville, IA, Grand Island, Cairo, Ord and returned to Grand Island. Throughout all of the moves the family made, Fran was sure to make each house a home. She was dedicated to caring for her family and valued hard work. She led by example and began her own housekeeping business, serving Grand Island for many years.
She was a member of Peace Lutheran Church and attended every Sunday, in person or on TV. Fran enjoyed baking and cooking, and was always sharing her knowledge with her daughter and granddaughters. Her family enjoyed her cookies, ramen noodles, pancakes, meatloaf and stuffed peppers to name a few. Her homemade cheesecakes were a hit and her fried chicken and potato salad were a family classic. She was an avid flower gardener, loving to watch the tulips grow and all of the flowers that brought birds and butterflies each spring. Fran was a skilled seamstress and made many of her clothes growing up. She later focused her talents on making Barbie clothes for her granddaughters. Franny shared her knowledge of embroidery and sewing with her granddaughters. She was always on the search for a good bargain, keeping an eye out for purses, shoes and coats. Franny loved looking for good garage sales. She enjoyed her Tuesday lunch group at King Buffet Chinese Restaurant. Franny was lovingly referred to by her brothers as Handy Hire, and was ready to help wherever she was needed. Christmas was a special time for Fran. She put together an extensive Christmas village, nativity scene, and angel decorations. Christmas also meant Fran's Christmas candy. She was a loving and wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Fran is survived by her daughter, Julie (Gary) Lute of Grand Island; grandchildren, Brandi (Jessie) Lopez of Grand Island, Kristina (Brian) Buggi of Columbus, Andraea Lute, Lyndsey (Eli McCarville-Dake) Lute and Alexis Lute all of Grand Island; great-grandchildren, Gahvrielle and Garyt Lesiak of Clarks, NE, Analee, Sophia, Fabyian, Marrida, Benjamin, Khloe, Mathias Lopez of Grand Island, Ashton, Mason, Brilee Buggi of Columbus and expected new arrival near Fran's birthday; brother, Vernon (Shirley) Voecks of Norfolk; sisters-in-law, Ginny Bartunek of Grand Island and Marlene Voecks of Norfolk. She was beloved "Aunt Franny" to numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother, Darral Voecks; nephew, Larry Voecks and cousin, Millie who was like a sister.
