Nettie "Fran" Frances (Morath) Stenger

Nettie “Fran” Frances Stenger, 89, peacefully entered eternal rest surrounded by her family on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Jefferson City.

Nettie Frances Stenger was born May 29, 1933, the daughter of Michael and Dulice (Davis) Morath. She attended Holy Angels Academy in Jonesboro, AR. She married Ferdinand Stenger August 18, 1951, at St. Teresa’s Catholic Church in Glennonville, MO. Fran was an active member of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church before moving to Jefferson City where she was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. While at Saints Peter and Paul, Fran was a volunteer housekeeper and cook for the parish rectory, a member of the Daughters of Isabella and chairperson for funeral dinners. She served as a eucharistic minister for the homebound and sick. Fran had a strong devotion to the Blessed Mother and the rosary. There was always a statue of the Blessed Mother inside and outside her home and she recited the rosary daily up until the time she was not able to. She proudly worked as a nurse’s aide at St. Joseph Hospital in Boonville. Fran had a beautiful voice, loved to sing and passed this love to her children. She enjoyed music and played the lap harp exceptionally well. Fran enjoyed anything outdoors to appreciate God’s creation. She went camping, fishing and rescued birds. Anytime you took her fishing you would always hear her say “just one more” or “would you look at that”. Her garden always looked pristine. She could make anything grow or bring it back to life. Fran was crafty. She sewed clothes for her kids and their dolls. She was a tremendous painter, creating numerous paintings that her family will cherish forever. She shared her life stories and spirituality through reflective writing. Fran could do anything. She even baked and decorated wedding cakes for her family and friends.

Family was most important to Fran. She playfully teased her grandchildren, loved playing games with them and always brightened the room with her smile and contagious laugh. Fran had a great sense of humor and was a bit mischievous. She was a fabulous cook and her children called her a “master chef”. Fran could throw together a gourmet meal at the drop of a hat with enough food to feed an army.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory children Steve (Deborah) Stenger, Ocala, FL, Joe (Patti) Stenger, St. Louis, Jodi Rapp of Jefferson City, MO, daughter-in-law Joyce Stenger, Forsyth, MO, George (Pam) Stenger, Clarence, MO, Paula (Denny) Kramer, Columbia, MO, Connie (Allen) Hackman, Fayette, MO, Jackie (Kevin) Kampeter, Jefferson City, MO, Karl (Marylee) Stenger, Ocala, FL, and Tonya (Jeff) Drinen, Festus, MO, brother George (Sharon) Morath, in-laws Sr. Mary Agnus “Patricia” Stenger, Clemie (Tony) Lampe, Clara (Gene) Herzog, Karen Stenger, and Bernice Stenger. She also leaves behind grandchildren Bethany Lacy, Stephine (Jason) Lampkins, Patrick (Angel) Stenger, Jessica Asbury, Kelli (Erik) Anthes, Emily (Matt) Owen, Ethan (Kelsey) Stenger, Jennifer Rotert, Elliott (Andrea) Bentley, Will (Misti) Rapp, Caleb Stenger, Casey (Monica) Stenger, Amanda (Jason) Wilson, Jonathan (Heather) Stenger, Austin Stenger, Brian (Hollie) Murdock, Jade Murdock, Chad (Karen) Hackman, Amy (Aaron) Wilson, Joshua (Emily) Kampeter, Shane (Annie) Kampeter, Matthew (Jessie) Stenger, Gloria (Tyler) Holt, Adam (Katelyn) Stenger, Amber (Jon) VanEtten, and Megan Lee and 41 great grandchildren and numerous great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Fran is preceded in death by her parents Michael and Dulice Morath, husband Ferdinand Stenger, son Mike Stenger, son-in-law Tom Rapp, grandsons Eric Stenger and Aaron Stenger, brothers Paul (Maryann) Morath, Samuel (Nomalee) Morath, and John (Betty) Morath, sisters Louise (Charlie) Davis, Sr. Pauline Morath, and Peggy (Clem) Bader, in-laws Aggie (Joe) Fluech, Sr. Ann Miriam Stenger, Sr. Mary Clement Stenger, Sr. Jovita Marie Stenger, Sr. Mariella Stenger, Fr. Joe Stenger, Gertrude (Oscar) Schrader, Margaret Stenger, Arlene Stenger, Rose (Tom) Murphy, Eddie Stenger and Willie Stenger, one great grandson and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation for Fran will be held at Howard Funeral Home Wednesday, January 25, 2022, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Recitation of the rosary will begin at 3:45 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be Thursday, January 26, 2022, at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church beginning at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association, Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Boonville, MO, or Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Jefferson City, MO. 

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