Francis J. "Frank" Shema of Saint Charles, Missouri passed away on Thursday, October 19, 2023.

Frank is survived by his wife - Bonita "Bonnie" Shema; stepchildren, Susan Glasgow, Steven (Michelle) Hunter, Melissa (Tony) Tripp, William Joe Glasgow II; siblings, Patricia (the late Richard) Page, Kathleen(Michael) Leeder, Randolph (Bonnie) Thomas Shema;  grandchildren, Stephen (Ellen) Pfleeger, Nicolas Evans, Jacob Hunter, Ashley Hunter, Mackenzie Tripp, Ella Tripp;  great-grandchildren, Penelope and Harrison Pfleeger. He was a cousin, brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle, and friend.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Adolph and Ella Shema; siblings, Louise (Marvin) Thiemke and Stephen Shema.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

Frank Shema, a beloved husband, stepfather, son, brother, and friend went home to the Lord on October 19, 2023. He was at home with his family when he passed. He had a long courageous battle with C.O.P.D. and finally caught COVID. His lungs were too compromised to get well and he had to give up.

Frank's departure has left a profound void in the lives of everyone who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Shema; and his stepchildren, Susan, Steve, Melissa, and Joe; Also, his siblings, Pat, Kathy, and Randy, and a host of family and friends.

Frank was born in Hillsboro, Wisconsin. He lived on a dairy farm with his family. He went to a one-room school house with his two older sisters, Pat and Louise. They are known as "The Three Musketeers." Both parents were of "Czech" decent. His mother, Ella, played an accordion beautifully and cooked authentic "Czech" foods.

Frank's family eventually moved to Janesville, Wisconsin where Frank, Louise and Pat graduated from Janesville High School. After high school, Frank enlisted into the U.S. Navy. He served 4 years. He was the "Storekeeper" on the Navy Destroyer "U.S.S. Hoel" (DDG-13) during the Vietnam War. He was given an "Honorable Discharge" from the Navy.

After coming home, he went to work with his dad at the GM Plant. Eventually, he got a job as a car hauler for Cassens Transportation and moved to St. Louis, MO. While in St. Louis, Frank met and married Carolyn Hunter. Carolyn had two previous children named Steve and Melissa. They were happily married for many years and loved entertaining their families and friends. Sadly, Carol fell ill with cancer and passed away in February of 2001. It was very profound for all that knew and loved her. Later on, Frank met Bonnie Glasgow and they were eventually married in 2006. Bonnie had two children previously named Susan and Joe. They were happily married for seventeen years until Frank's C.O.P.D. was compromised by COVID and he sadly lost his courageous battle with C.O.P.D.

Frank was a beacon of love and support. His memory will be forever in Bonnie's heart and the hearts of many.

A "Celebration of Life" at Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Home, 12444 Olive Blvd., Creve Coeur, MO on Saturday, December 2, 2023. Visitation begins at 1p.m. with a Memorial Service at 4:30 p.m.

Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Home   www.osfuneralhomes.com