Frances Antonette Puidokas

1943 ∼ 2011

Frances Antonette Puidokas
Frances “Dolly” Puidokas, 67, of Kenosha, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 8, 2011, at her home with her loving husband by her side. She was born on May 25, 1943, in Kenosha. She was the daughter of the late Bennie and Antonette (Conforti) Volpendesta. On May 1, 1965, she married Frank A. Puidokas III at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Fran worked at Kenosha Hospital for many years as a LPN. She was also a tireless volunteer and event’s organizer who found deep fulfillment in sharing her energy, numerous talents, and giving spirit with the Kenosha community, Carthage College, and her church. She served as chairman of the Kenosha Civic Veterans Parade for over 20 years. She organized the annual cavalcade honoring Kenosha’s military heroes. For 20 years, she has served on the Carthage Homecoming Committee, helping the College produce its festive parade. An effective member of Kenosha CrimeStoppers, she has helped keep our community safe from delinquency and violence for more than 16 years. She also volunteered for fundraisers for the Pleasant Prairie Fire Department, Burlington’s Chocolate Fest, and fundraising for Kenosha’s Band Shell and Columbus statue. Fran was a staunch advocate of education, serving as a Pleasant Prairie School commissioner. She contributed to the Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha by organizing celebrity luncheons, wine tasting events, and other fundraising efforts. She supported the arts by serving as a board member for the Kenosha Pops Concert. She was an active parishioner of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, she regularly assisted as Eucharistic minister and has served as a parish council member, lecturer, and religious education instructor. Over the years, several area groups and organizations have publicly recognized her ardent service to the community. In 1982, the village of Pleasant Prairie declared her its Outstanding Citizen. In 1997, the Kenosha News honored her as Person of the Year. In 2000, the Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha recognized her as its Outstanding Volunteer of the Year. And in 2001, the Kenosha Area of Chamber of Commerce bestowed upon her the Bill Guy Community Service Award. In 2003, she received Carthage College’s New Town Award and Kenosha County’s Certificate of Appreciation for Wisconsin. Fran is survived by her husband of 46 years, Frank, a retired Kenosha police lieutenant who worked side by side with her on a number of volunteer projects; her three children, Frank (Karen) Puidokas IV, Barry (Amy) Puidokas, and Kelley (Christopher) Wynstra; and three grandchildren, Kennedy, Shay, and Norah. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Carmela Volpendesta; her brother, Michael Volpendesta; and her granddaughter, Claire. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 11th, at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. Entombment will be private. A visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials for the Gina Marie Rosko Scholarship Fund would be greatly appreciated by the family.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit Fran’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com

Condolences

Denise Christianson May 12, 2011
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Mindy Miller May 12, 2011
My condolences to the whole family. I spent many days of my childhood hanging out around and in the family home and I always felt welcomed. My thoughts are with you all.
Karen Kempinen May 11, 2011
Kelly and Family, please accept my sympathy and my prayers.
Lou Rugani May 11, 2011
Thank you for your long friendship, Fran, and for all your many efforts on behalf of the Kenosha Civic Veterans Parade.
Kathy Ladousa May 11, 2011
Sincere sympathy to Kelly and her family. Your Mom was a wonderful person and will be missed by many. I know you have many great memories to sustain you now at this time of loss. Thoughts and prayers with you..................
Ash-a-lee May 10, 2011
Aunt Franny~ You are such an inspiration to many. You were my mothers mentor as she is now mine. Strong and full of vinegar along with sugar and spice and all things nice. You loved unconditionally and I am fortunate to have known you so well. I met Patty Burke and so many wonderful people because of you and my life was fuller because you loved me. Your with you sister and mine now and all our times will come as God called you home. Thank you for being a sister to my Mom she misses you so much already as do I. Till we see each other again I will always love you!
LuAnn Preston Frederick May 10, 2011
Frank. Frankie, Barry and Kelley, I will miss Franny. She always had a good story to tell. She continued to keep in touch with me long after we were no longer officially family. She always shared in my joys as I did in hers. She would send a Christmas card every year. She always knew what my kids were up to and made sure to acknowledge them. We had a little saying that us brown eyed girls had to stick together. You will all be in my prayers. Love, LuAnn
Janna Vestino Waldeck May 10, 2011
I knew Franie many, many years ago - we worked together in the surgical department of the Kenosha Memorial Hospital. She had one of the most infectious senses of humor I've ever come in touch with and one of the strongest work ethics, as well. I know she will be deeply missed - Janna Vestino Waldeck
Lisa Hansche LaPelusa May 10, 2011
Frannie....you will always be cherished in my heart. You made growing up on 82nd Street a wonderful experience. Your encouragement and guidance has stayed with me through out my life.
Rita (Martino) Ginocchio May 10, 2011
With sadness and surprise I am sorry to learn of the passing of a longtime school friend and classmate* Even though our paths parted ways upon graduation, I will always remember you from our many years together as classmates starting with Bain School all the way thru Bradford* You were always friendly and kind to everyone you met and over the years its apparent you shared your goodness by serving on many committees and wore many hats* I know God has now welcomed you into His Kingdom with open arms which you so richly deserved* Until we meet again, Franny, may you rest in heavenly peace* Your classmate and friend, Rita(Martino)Ginocchio