Frances Harriet Stake

Frances Harriet Stake, 93, died on September 24, 2017 in Kankakee, IL. She was a longtime resident of Woodstock, IL. Fran was born in Shanghai, China where she spent the first 21 years of her life. During WWII, she and her family were prisoners of war for 3 1/2 years in a Japanese internment camp. Shortly after leaving camp Fran met and married, Hugo Schramm, an American GI. They moved to Chicago, IL and then to the Chicago western suburb of Elmhurst where they raised 2 sons, Ron and Eric. Hugo and Fran were married for 26 years before divorcing. In her 40s, Fran attended The American Academy of Art where she earned an Associate Degree in Graphic Art and a diploma in Commercial Art. It was at the American Academy that Fran met Vernon Stake, an accomplished artist and teacher, whom she married in 1976. Fran and Vern lived on 5 acres in rural Woodstock, IL , also known as the Stake Farm, where Fran would remain for 30 years. Fran was an avid gardener and their beautiful gardens were admired by all who visited and the Stake Studio & Gallery allowed many to enjoy the award winning art and art teachings of both Fran and Vern. It was on these 5 acres that Fran's entrepreneurial and artistic talents flourished and where her family says she was her happiest! Fran had a bold and exuberant art style reflective of her diverse background and interests as well as limitless energy and creativity. In addition to her painting, she authored and illustrated several children's books, established and edited a local newspaper Neighbours, and shared her words of wisdom on art, life and happiness through many published magazine articles. Fran was the founding member of the Tea Tyme Garden Club, member of the Bull Valley Garden Club, member of the Northland Area Art League, and advocate of a healthy lifestyle for women. She and Vern also founded and directed the rural Woodstock/Marengo annual Autumn Drive, an annual fall festival celebrating art, antiques, farm produce and food which this October celebrates its 30th year. . An important part of Fran’s life was her church, St. John's Evangelical Lutheran in Union, IL where Fran served on many committees, taught Sunday school, and participated in 2 Alaskan mission trips. She loved to be active. In her late 80s, living at Del Webb in Huntley Illinois, Fran was a member of the Stingrays swim team and a frequent player of pickle ball! Fran loved being with her family, son Ron Schramm and his wife Ann , their two children Zachary (Jessica) and Ellen (Hunter Keil) and Fran’s great grandson Merrick, as well as son Eric Schramm and his wife Kathy. Fran was the stepmother to Susan Pilshaw and her husband John, and John Stake and his wife Margaret. Her step grandchildren were Loni Pilshaw Bach, Kelly Pilshaw, and Kirsten Stake, as well as her step great grandchildren Jessica Bach and Ryan Baxter. Preceding Fran in death were her parents, Henry and Mary, sister Connie (John), brother Richard (Joan), and both of her husbands. A memorial service will be held for Fran on Saturday, October 14, 2017, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 6821 Main St., Union, IL 60180. The 11am service will be preceded by visitation from 9:30 to 11am. Lunch and friendship will follow at the church.