Frances L. “Babe” Buchholtz, age 95, of Escanaba, passed away Monday evening, May 3, 2021 at Bishop Noa Home.
Babe was born on February 2, 1926 at St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba, the daughter of Thomas and Katherine (Eckes) Shanahan, the youngest of five siblings.
She graduated from St. Joseph’s High School in 1944 and then entered the Cadet Nursing Program at St. Joseph’s school of nursing in Bloomington. She graduated in 1947. Upon returning to Escanaba, she was employed at St. Francis Hospital as a Registered Nurse. Over her career, she also worked at the V.A. Hospital in Iron Mountain, and a short time at the U.S. Army Hospital at Fort Campbell in Kentucky.
Babe was united in marriage to Paul H. Buchholtz on September 8, 1951 at St. Patrick’s church in Escanaba. They moved to Fort Campbell in Kentucky, where Paul was a Sgt. with the military police with the 82nd Airborne. When Paul was sent to Korea she returned to Escanaba and was again employed at St. Francis Hospital where she retired in 1972.
Frances was very active in sports, playing on the varsity girls basketball team in high school and later the nurses softball team. She also bowled. Babe was also a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Wells for over 50 years, the Ladies Guild of St. Anthony’s, and the RSVP of Escanaba. She was also involved with making various crafts and took part in numerous craft shows. Babe also loved to travel.
Babe is survived by:
Son: Thomas (Yvonne) Buchholtz of Ford River, MI
Daughter-in-law: Loita Buchholtz of Escanaba,MI
2 Granddaughters: Raquel (Brent) Billings of Escanaba, MI
Ranae (Douglas) Zellar of Wells, MI
2 Great Grandson: Zachary and Zayden Zellar of Wells, MI
And many Nieces, Nephews, and close friends.
In addition to her Parents, Babe was preceded in death by:
Husband: Paul Buchholtz
Son: Michael Buchholtz
2 Brothers: Lawrence and Roger Shanahan
And 2 Sisters: Geraldine Garlinek-Wilcox and Arlene Jerow
Family will receive friends Saturday, May 8, 2021 from 10:30 until 11:30 AM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Escanaba. Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Noon at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Wells, MI, with Rev. Fr. Rick Courier officiating. Masks and Social Distancing at St. Anthony church is required. Babe will be laid to rest in the Holy Cross Cemetery. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Buchholtz family.
Stephanie Deeter - Escanaba, MI
Mizzzz B,
I love you more than you will ever know, you are at peace now. Somehow I will figure out Kilamongaro for us, I gotchu “Backpack” always ❤ I will never forget you, till we see each other again xoxoxo
Princess
Marilyn Albrecht - Gladstone, Mi
My mom Lois Aschinger Mileski talked about your mom.They went to school together at St. Joes. Remember meeting her and such a nice lady.
Duke Gardiner - Sarasota, Fl
Our sympathy to Auntie Babe’s family as you mourn your mothers loss. It was a joy to be in her presence.
Duke Gardiner & Carol
Gerald Gardiner - Ocala, Fl
Aunt Babe was like a sister to me growing up She was a wonderful and caring person. I will always keep her in my heart and prayers I am sorry I can,t travel any more. My heart felt condolences to the family and friends
Connie Smith - Escanaba, Mi
Dear Loita and Yvonne My sympathies for the loss of your mother-in-law.
Robin Arts - Lannon , WI
I remember Babe very nice person. She was strict with her boys but, they turned out very nice. She will be remembered always.