Frances M. Holtman (née Binney), age 103, passed away peacefully after a short illness on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, almost 20 years to the day that she lost her beloved husband, Jack. Frances was born on November 27, 1922, and was a lifelong resident of Kenosha. She attended public schools there and was a member of the First United Methodist Church all of her life.
On July 10, 1943, Frances married her high school sweetheart, Jack, while he was serving in the Navy during WWII. They lived for a short time in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, while Jack was in training, but they spent the rest of their 63-year marriage in Kenosha.
Frances was a lifelong homemaker to her husband and seven children, but had many outside interests. She was a master bridge player and regularly played with friends and in leagues throughout her long life. She was a member of several women’s service organizations, including the Kenosha Woman’s Club, Order of the Eastern Star, and the Allonse League. Frances also liked traveling with her husband, including several overseas trips. During her later years, she enjoyed reading extensively – especially mystery novels – as well as working on jigsaw puzzles and playing bridge online.
Of course, Frances spent most of her time with her large and extended family, who appreciated and thoroughly enjoyed her company until the very end. She was truly a wonderful and adored mother and grandmother who was smart, resilient, and kind, as well as sassy, notoriously stubborn, and fiercely independent. She will be sorely missed every day.
Frances is survived by her children, Jeff of Paddock Lake, Peggy of Milwaukee, Debbie (Jon) Konings of Milwaukee, Cathy of Salem, and James (Roxanne) of Kenosha. Ten grandchildren, including Scott and Laura Hoffman, Jessica (Jon) Chiappetta, Sarah Santiago, and Emily Lohner, Brian and Brandon Guarascio, and Jack, Jake, and Jim Holtman. Her great-grandchildren include Jarrad and Nora Hoffman, Kelsey Stowell, Sofia Chiappetta, Elyse and Christopher Santiago, and Scarlett and Cecelia Andrade.
In addition to her husband, Jack, Frances was preceded in death by her daughters Sally Holtman Lohner and Nancy Hoffman Guarascio, brothers William and Richard Binney, and parents James and Laura Binney.
Private Funeral Services were held for the family at Sunset Ridge Cemetery on Friday, May 1.
The family would like to thank the staff at Kenosha Place for their loving care of our mother for the past 3 & 1/2 years. A special thanks there to Dee, Laura, and Destiny, for their kindness and attention, as well as her good friend, Linda. Mom would also have liked us to acknowledge Donovan, her favorite cook, for his special attention to her. We also want to thank Ted McMahon for everything he did for our mother and family.
The family would also like to acknowledge the nurses, doctors, and staff at Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital for their concern and care these past two weeks. A special shout-out goes to nurses Eli and Felicia for the kindness, gentleness, patience, and dignity they showed our mother and her family during her last days. You all made it bearable. We also want to give a very heartfelt “Thank you” to Dr. Michelle Gauthier for her years of compassion and patience.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Boys and Girls Club of Kenosha in Frances’ name would be appreciated.
