Francis Wren, Jr

They say that opposites attract, and nothing could be more true in the case of Barbara and Francis “Jr.” Wren as they were as different as night and day. He was a rough and tough free-spirited man of adventure while she was a quiet and reserved woman who was most content spending her time doting over her family. Jr. and Barb were true companions, however, who shared nearly 50 years of their lives together watching their family tree blossom to include the children and grandchildren they both treasured. When it came to fishing they were like two peas in a pod as they both loved the sport and complimented each other beautifully when it came to the various elements that fishing requires. Although both Jr. and Barb will be deeply missed, their loved ones will forever foster his strength and impeccable work ethic coupled with her optimism and encouragement to follow their dreams that was heavily saturated in her never-ending love. It was on July 24, 1942, that Francis E. and Fern L. (Gordon) Wren, of Morris, Illinois, were blessed with the birth of the baby boy they named Francis E. Jr. during the days of WWII. He was one of six children in his family and was raised in the family home in Coal City alongside his siblings, Charles, Gary, Ronald, Sherrie, and Richard. Jr., as he was known, had the reputation of “tearin’ up the town.” He was all rebel and liked things like smoking, drinking, and racing. Jr. was a student in Coal City, but only through the eighth grade as when he showed up for the first day of high school on his big Indian motorcycle the principal, who was well aware of his reputation, told him that he would not go to high school in Coal City. That was all it took for Jr., and he went to work instead. Just a few years after Jr. was born, in 1945, Herbert Charles and Pauline Antonia Hansen-Gunnerson were pleased to announce the birth of their daughter, Barbara J., on April 19th, also in Morris. She was one of three children in her family, joined by her sister, Betty, and her brother, Richard. Barb’s father repaired gas pumps while her mother worked for Self Locking Company. In sharp contrast to Jr., Barb was a straight-laced girl who loved school, reading, rollerskating, and riding her bike. She also developed an interest in fixing hair, which paved the way for a rewarding lifelong career. Barb attended schools in Morris. Life was forever changed for both Jr. and Barb on a warm summer evening at the end of July or the beginning of August in 1961 when their eyes met at the Prince Drive-In in Morris, where she was working as a car hop. Jr. was working at an envelope factory in Chicago at the time. Soon after that fateful night they began dating, and it was on Christmas in 1963 that they became engaged. Their relationship became a long distance one when Jr. was drafted into the United States Army on March 2, 1964. Throughout his time in the military he sent checks home not only to Barb, but also to his mother to help in raising his younger sister and brother. With his military duties fulfilled, Jr. was discharged on March 1, 1966. With a desire to share their lives together, Jr. and Barb were married on September 10, 1966, in the First United Methodist Church in Morris followed by a reception at the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Morris. Together they welcomed three children into their hearts and home: Stephanie, Michele, and Stacy. On January 4, 1989 however, their family was forever changed with the loss of Michele due to complications of heart surgery. Yet today she still remains very much alive in all of their memories and hearts. As a father Jr. was stern, yet through his discipline his girls learned to be strong and to have an unwavering work ethic. It was also clear to see that he adored his family, too. Jr. had little patience, but Barb had more than enough patience for the both of them. She was a loving, caring, and nurturing mother who provided her girls with everything they needed. As a family the Wrens treasured the their annual summer trips to Castle Rock, Wisconsin, where they stayed for two months. At times extended family members came to visit them there as well. In addition to raising their girls, both Jr. and Barb worked outside of the home. He worked as a mechanic at Broadway Ford in Coal City and later took a job with the Millwrights Local #1693 until he retired. Barb was a talented beautician who owned and operated Barb's Beauty Shop in Coal City for numerous years and most recently worked for Reflections Hair Design in Coal City. Both Jr. and Barb enjoyed numerous interests. He had a lifelong interest in cars and owned many throughout his life. Racing was Jr.’s passion as well, and it has been said that he could blow his engine drag racing around town, pull the motor out, and then have it back on the road the next day. He was a huge NASCAR fan, and in years past he enjoyed going to the races at Grundy County Speedway. Barb loved nothing more than going to horse shows and seeing both her daughter and granddaughter show. Some of the memories that were most meaningful to Barb and her family were made at the barn. No matter what they were doing, Barb cherished every moment she had to share with her daughters and grandchildren. Together Barb and Jr. had a love for fishing. He had a lure for everything, and thanks to her exceptional organizational skills they were always orderly. The family hunted for night crawlers at night as Jr. hated buying bait. Priceless memories were made on the fishing trips they took together. They both belonged to the Coal City Area Club as well. Jr. Wren was never out to impress anyone and wasn’t afraid to live life on his own terms. His wife, Barbara, was his perfect compliment who was the eternal optimist always ready to drop anything to help another. Together they lived a life that was deeply embedded in love for their family and those around them. Jr. and Barb will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Francis E. Wren, Jr., of Diamond, who was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara on September 30, 2013, died on March 4, 2014. Jr.’s family includes his mother, Fern of Coal City; daughters: Stephanie (Butch) Ryan of Coal City and Stacy (Patrick Patterson) of Diamond; grandchildren: Korey Wren and Brittany Ryan; siblings: Charles (Margaret) Wren of Braidwood, Gary Wren of Carbon Hill, Ronald (Dena) Wren and Sherrie Hobbs of Coal City, and Richard (Joan) Wren of Braceville; special aunt, Ruth Sanders of Coal City and uncle, Ervin (Barb) Wren of Shorewood; sister-in-law, Betty (Glenn, Sr.) Friant of Morris; and numerous nieces and nephews. Jr. was also preceded in death by his father; daughter, Michele (1989); brother-in-law, Richard "Dick" Gunnerson; and numerous aunts and uncles. Visitation and video tribute will be held on Monday, March 10, 2014, from 4-8 p.m. at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway (one block North of Illinois Route 113) in Coal City. Funeral services will follow Tuesday, March 11th at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home with Reverend Dr. Roy Backus officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Morris, where he will be laid to rest with his wife Barb and daughter Michele. Preferred memorials may be made in Jr.’s memory to his family for distribution to local charities of their choosing. Friends may sign the online guest book, send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com. Funeral services and arrangements have been made by Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City. (815/634-2125)