Francis W. Wiskeman

Francis W. Wiskeman, 99, of Natrona Heights passed away peacefully in his home with family at his side on Friday, May 16, 2025.Born August 6, 1925, in Saxonburg (Ivywood) to the late Elbert O. and Cecilia P. (Peco) Wiskemann, he was the youngest of 8 children. Fran was a 1943 graduate of Har-Brack High School.He proudly served his country as a sonar operator on the USS Bearss DD654 in the United States Navy during WWII, serving in the North Pacific including northern Japan until the end of the war.Returning home after the war he began a long career at PPG Industries starting in Creighton and finally retiring as a Tank Supervisor at the PPG Industries Fiberglass Research Center in Harmar.After retirement, Fran kept busy with family, learning about computers to do newsletters, serving in the American Legion and traveling.Known as Earl or Fran to his friends and family, he was a member of Guardian Angels Parish Natrona Heights Campus (from the former St. Matthias Church in Natrona),American Legion Post 48 in Natrona, where he served a term as Post Commander, V.F.W. Post 894 in Natrona Heights, Knights of Columbus Council 2602 in Natrona and the Lucky Strikes Bowling League.He was also very proud to be a member of the USS Bearss Ship club and formed many deep and lasting friendships with the other members over the years.Many years after the passing of his wife, Fran found a loving partner in Judy Simmons with whom he shared many years.He enjoyed dancing with his late wife, bowling, traveling, photography and reading, especially western novels.He is survived by his children, Marlene A. Fussaro, of Stockton, MD., Francis P. (Kathie) Wiskeman, of Allegheny Township, Anthony Wiskeman, of Carlisle and Maria R. (Jamison) Penry, of Willow Street, Pa.,grandchildren, Jason (Jennifer) Fussaro, Joel Fussaro (Shannon), Alexis (Chad) Peate, Jacob (Jessica) Wiskeman, Joshua (Janessa) Wiskeman,Angela (Jake) Weber, Sarah Cerrelli, Aaron (Ciera) Wiskeman, Logan Penry, Connor Penry and Anna Penry, 17 great grandchildren and by his loving partner and companion, Judy Simmons.In addition to his parents, Fran was preceded in death by his wife, Anna H. (Motosicky) Wiskeman on February 23, 2003, son, William J. Wiskeman in September of 1977, his brothers, Edward, Donald, Elbert L. and Kenneth A. and by his sisters, Helen Porter, Margaret "Peg" Duncan and Dorothy Burke.

Friends will be received on Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. in the Cicholski-Zidek Funeral Home, Inc., 1522 Carlisle Street, Natrona Heights 724-224-8688, where a parting prayer service will be held on Thursday at 9:30 a.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:00 a.m. in Most Blessed Sacrament Church, Natrona Heights.  Burial with full military honors accorded by the Vandergrift Veterans Honor Guard will be in Our Lady of Hope Cemetery, Frazer Township.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Fran may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY  10306.  To send an online condolence please visit www.cicholski-zidekfh.com.