Frances Edgar Zeimetz

Frances Edgar Zeimetz, age 90, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 6, 2026, with her family by her side at Lightways Hospice in Joliet. Fran was born on March 23, 1936, in Joliet to the late John & Cecelia (Jandurova) Lajcin. Fran was the youngest of seven children. She attended SS. Cyril & Methodius Grade School and then later graduated from Joliet Township High School, class of 1954. On November 6, 1954, she married Patrick J. Kachelhoffer and unfortunately became a young widow just a few short years later. Fran later married Frank X. Zeimetz but sadly lost him too soon in 1996.

Fran approached life with joy and determination. She was a very hard worker who had many jobs over the years including data entry operator, mail sorter, retail clerk, and corrections officer. Her greatest joys were Jesus, da Bears, Snoopy, and the Cubs - in that order! Fran’s favorite hobbies included traveling, bird watching, reading, and planning social gatherings. Some of the most exciting places she visited include Alaska, Australia, Czechoslovakia, Ireland, and New Zealand. One of her greatest honors was being President of Mary’s Helpers at her parish. Fran stayed close to many classmates and saw them regularly.

Franny, to those closest to her, knew her as a woman with an incredibly loving and generous heart for her family, friends, and her fellow parishioners. She never met a stranger; Fran always wanted to connect with people and to know their story. During her well-lived life, she was dealt many challenges, which she always faced with grace. She loved being a supportive aunt, great aunt, great grand aunt, step-grandmother, and great-grandmother to many.

Frances is survived by her loving sisters, Verna Horvath and her twin, Josie DiBartolomeo; and numerous caring nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by two devoted husbands; parents; siblings, Cecelia (Steve) Melovic, John (Eleanor) Lajcin, Mary (Andy) Prieboy, and Tony Lajcin; and brothers in-law, Vince DiBartolomeo and Les Horvath.

All friends and relatives are invited to celebrate Fran’s life on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, between 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., with prayers being said at 11:15 a.m. at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Rd., Joliet, IL. Interment to follow at Abraham Lincon National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Lightways Hospice in Joliet, IL or to Annunciation of the Mother of God Church in Homer Glen, IL. Arrangements entrusted to the Tezak Funeral Home, Joliet. For more information, please call 815-722-0524, or to leave an online condolence, visit her Memorial Tribute page at tezakfuneralhome.com.