Almeda Isabel Francetic

Almeda “Meda” “Aunt B” Isabel Francetic of Merrill, Michigan

Beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away peacefully at her home with her daughter by her side on Wednesday, February 8, 2023. She was 100 years old. Almeda Isabel Clark was born on September 19, 1922, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late Joseph William and Blanch E. (Gotts) Clark. She was a proud graduate of Merrill High School. As a young lady, Almeda played shortstop for a women’s softball league at Wenzel Park and fondly remembered making it to the state finals and having to borrow the men’s uniforms to play. While cleaning her grandma Gotts’ home, she met the love of her life and best friend of sixty-nine years, Charles Frank Francetic. During WWII, she worked as an inspector at the gun factory in south Saginaw. They were united in marriage upon his return from the Army Air Corps on December 1, 1945; he preceded her in death on the same day eight years earlier, February 8, 2015. The role of her lifetime was to be a loving and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Almeda could do anything she put her mind to. She worked as a bookkeeper, tax preparer, wedding cake creator for all her nieces and nephews’ weddings, created all things beautiful through her exceptional sewing skills, cut and styled hair, and helped in the building of her own home. After her daughters completed their college education, Almeda decided to attend Saginaw Valley State University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education and substitute taught. Her little piece of heaven was being able to garden with her husband until she was 90 years old. Almeda also enjoyed playing Pinochle and Bid-Euchre with her friends, bowling at Crooked Creek, and selling vegetables and flower arrangements with her husband at the farmer’s market in Alma. She was a lifelong member of the Merrill Congregational Christian Church and a member of the Eastern Star at the Merrill Masonic Lodge. She selflessly volunteered her time at the church, Masonic Lodge, and throughout the Merrill Community. Almeda led a very active social life and loved taking frequent trips fishing and camping in Canada and spending time in her motorhome in Florida. Above all, she treasured and cherished the time she spent with her family. She will forever be remembered for her vitality and energy, her natural ability to communicate with all people, for intellectually pursuing all of her interests, and for truly living an amazing life filled with many beautiful stories and memories. 

Surviving are two daughters: Janice Gross of Merrill, MI; Joanne (John) Perko of Mears; five grandchildren: Antonina (John) Perko-Badeen, John Anthony Perko IV, Phyllis (Don) Wallen; Zachary (Lori) Grasley, Joseph William Grasley; seven great-grandchildren: Julia, Luke Logan, and Valerie Grasley, and Breanna, Nathan, and Heather Wallen; brother- and sisters-in-law: Rudy, Nancy, Marion, and Yvonne Francetic. Also surviving are many beloved nieces and nephews.  

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Francetic; two brothers and a sister: Bill (Lois) Clark, Bob (Frances) Clark, and Josephine (Jack) Coppens.  

Honoring Almeda’s wishes cremation has taken place. A memorial service to celebrate her life will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at the Merrill Congregational Christian Church, 245 S. Midland Street, Merrill, 48637. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Merrill Congregational Christian Church or Merrill High School Scholarship Fund. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family through www.casefuneralhome.com.