Caroline (Zschocher-Colby) France

Caroline France (nee Zschocher-Colby), age 74 of Chetek, was led from the arms of her loving husband to the arms of Jesus Thursday, August 9, 2018, From her birth on April 14, 1944 to her death on Thursday she nourished people around her with love, faith, and laughter. Caroline was born in Mount Vernon, Ohio to Heinz and Elsie (Nee Meyer) Zschocher and was the fifth of ten children. She graduated from Springdale HS, PA in 1962.

Caroline married Russ Colby in 1967, settling in White Bear Lake, MN where they fostered many children and adopted three. She worked as the secretary of South Shore Trinity Church in WBL for many years. They later retired in Chetek, WI. Caroline came out of retirement to work at Chetek Lutheran Church, Chetek United Methodist, Trinity Lutheran Church and Care Partners on Kern Avenue both in Rice Lake.

After widowing for a few years, Caroline met the love of her life, David K. France from Chetek, WI, they were married on April 6, 2013. Although their lives together were cut short when cancer returned to Caroline, she and David lived the years they had together to the fullest while serving the Lord, and completely in love.

Caroline was a three-time cancer survivor, beating odds for many years, she was often referred to as the warrior of bad-assery. She volunteered in the community as a member of the Pink Ribbon Society and You Are Not Alone (YANA) and other organizations. She touched so many lives to the fullest through her work at Care Partners. Caroline loved to sew most anything, but quilting was her passion. Family was everything to Caroline, she had so much love to share with all.

She is survived by her husband, David; children, Curtis Colby (Michelle), Julie Trombley and Joy Dumke, six grandchildren a great-grandson and five siblings; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and David’s children who also loved her; Michael, Jneya, Ryan and 2 grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be Saturday, August 18 at Chetek Lutheran Church at 11:00 A.M.  Visitation from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service.  Interment will be private at a later date in Lakeview Cemetery.  Please join the family for a luncheon and continued fellowship in the church hall following the service.  

The Burnham-Ours-Kolstad Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the final arrangements.

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