Frances "Fran" A. Stretz

Frances Ann Stretz, 73, of Rockford, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Fran, the daughter of Lacy and Florence Sciame, was born on August 29, 1951, in Rockford, Illinois.

A proud graduate of Boylan Catholic High School, Class of 1969, Fran went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in nursing at the University of St. Francis. On September 1, 1972, she married Randy Stretz in Rockford, Illinois.

Fran was a natural caregiver who always put others first. Her generous spirit, kindness and compassion were felt by everyone she met. She dedicated 45 years as a registered nurse, beginning her career at Swedish American Hospital specializing in cardiology and finishing out her career at Beloit Health System. Passionate about her work, she fiercely advocated for her patients and left a lasting impression on countless lives. Fran was also a beloved mentor — during her courageous battle with cancer, many nurses thanked her for training and guiding them throughout their own careers.

Deeply rooted in her Catholic faith, Fran was known for her warm heart and selflessness. She was always ready to help others and was often the first to make the call when there was a need. A devoted member of Holy Family Catholic Church, she served faithfully on the altar committee and lived her values through quiet acts of service.

Fran found joy in the simple pleasures of life: spending time with her family, sharing lunches with her beloved “gutsy gal” nurse friends, playing games and cards, reading, and traveling. But above all, she cherished the time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren, who were the light of her life.

Family was everything to Fran. She is survived by her beloved husband, Randy; her children, Heidi Schindlbeck, Peter (Kelly) Stretz and Erica (Chris) Shuleva; and her grandchildren, Logan and Lucas Stretz, Cayden and Lilian Schindlbeck, Samantha and Jackson Shuleva, and her grandson in heart, Paul Bawinkel. She is also survived by her siblings, Susan (Dan) Giesecke, Marilyn (Chris) Hoffie, Vince (Lori) Sciame, and Vicky (Tom) Pruitt; her mother-in-law, Mary Stretz; numerous nieces and nephews; and many other cherished family members. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Fran was preceded in death by her parents and father-in-law, Robert Stretz.

The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to the Holy Family Catholic Church community, the staff at the Carbone Cancer Center and Serenity Hospice Care for their compassionate support.

A Memorial Mass to honor Fran’s life will be held on Friday, May 9, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Rd, Rockford IL 61107. Mass will be held at 11:00 AM, With tenderness and respect, cremation arrangements were handled by Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial donations be made to SwedishAmerican Health Foundation either online at www.swedishamericanhealthfoundation.org or sent via mail to: SwedishAmerican Health Foundation 1415 E State Street, Suite 100 Rockford, IL 61104