Frances Muhlenbruch

Frances Muhlenbruch (know as Fran to many) was a devoted wife, exceptional mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She departed this world on October 17, 2023 at age 88 to join her husband, Gilbert in heaven. While we are all struggling with losing her, we are so thankful she lived a full life, was surrounded by the love of family and friends, and did not suffer. In fact, she took a shower an hour before passing, did her hair and put on makeup…most importantly her lipstick.
Frances was born in Jersey City, New Jersey on March 15, 1935 to the late Stergio and Lucille Apostolina. Gil swept her off her feet at a dance while stationed in Fort Lee, NJ and they danced for another 64 years of marriage. Theirs was a “Green Acres” marriage, Gil the Iowa farmer and Fran the city girl. They lived in Ames, Iowa while Gil pursued his electrical engineer degree at Iowa State University as she raised the first two kids. Upon graduation, they moved to Wappingers Falls, New York where they spent most of their married life. Their last few years were spent in Grapevine, Texas.
She is preceded in death in 2021 by her husband, Gilbert Ray Muhlenbruch. She is survived by her four children: Nanette Neelan (Colorado); Lynne Muhlenbruch (Ron Grimes, Texas); Curtis Muhlenbruch (Amelia, Nevis) and Melissa Muhlenbruch (Maryland). As well she is survived by her granddaughter Christine Horstmeyer (Michael, Texas), grandsons Michael, Jake and Robbie Fields (Maryland), adoptive granddaughter Latisha (Nevis) and three great grandchildren Zoe, Ellie and Luke (Texas).
Family and friends remember Fran’s classy, willful, witty and good-natured demeanor. She loved spending time with her family, playing cards (and competitively), water color painting, reading, tending to her Knock Out roses and binge-watching Judge Judy, 25 Words or Less and Masterpiece Theater. She also loved the cold ocean, steak, wine, lipstick and heels.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Wappingers Falls, NY or St. Francis Catholic Church in Grapevine, Texas or to your furry friends at Golden Beginnings Golden Retriever Rescue ( https://gbgrr.org/ ). Fran knew all the dogs in the neighborhood.
A mass is scheduled for 11 am on October 27, 2023 at St. Francis church in Grapevine, Texas.