Frank J. McNamara age 94 of New Richmond, Wisconsin, died peacefully on Sunday, June 24, 2012 at the St. Croix Health Center. He was born at home on September 4, 1917 in Stanton Township Wisconsin to James and Nellie (Warner) McNamara. On June 15, 1948, he married Grace Padden. He served with the U.S. Army Air Force in World War II and worked at the New Richmond Post Office as a rural mail carrier for 43 years. Physical fitness was a lifelong priority to Frank. He maintained this through walking, golf, performing hobby farm chores and chopping wood. He was involved in Toastmasters, Community Theater, university classes and had a passion for reading. After he lost his sight, his love of reading continued through audio books. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Donald McNamara and Robert McNamara. Frank is survived by his loving wife, Grace, of 64 years; daughters: Maureen McNamara, Susan McNamara, Fran (Richard) Cohler, Ann McNamara, Barbara (Dave) Grevich, Patricia McNamara and Eileen (Fred) Bezat; seven grandchildren and one great grandchild. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, June 28 at the Cullen Crea Funeral Home, New Richmond, and also one hour prior to the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., Friday, June 29, 2012 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Erin Prairie. Interment will be at St. Bridget’s Cemetery in Stanton Township. Frank was always known as a good neighbor with keen insights into local history. He will also be remembered as mild-mannered with an easy smile and described as “always a gentleman.” Cullen Crea Funeral Home, New Richmond is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library or Wisconsin Public Radio. Frank wanted his epitaph to read: “A word fitly spoken is like an ornament of fine gold.” Proverbs 25:11.
