Florence Viola (Crawford) Coleman

PORTAGE -- Florence Viola (Crawford) Coleman, age 99, left this world peacefully on September 4, 2024, at her home in Ft Winnebago.

Florence was born April 20, 1925, to William Christ and Ella Emilea Augusta (Manthey) Crawford, the eighth child of eleven, sharing her life with six brothers and four sisters, growing up on the family homestead in Lewiston.

Following grade school, she was encouraged to go to high school, so at age 14, she left home and moved to Portage, where she lived with the Willis Burns family. In exchange for room and board, she helped care for the Burns’ children and took on waitressing work at a local restaurant to help support herself. Florence was the first in her family to graduate from high school. Following graduation, she secured a job at Badger Ordinance, in Merrimac. She met a dashing young farmer, Thomas Coleman, who swept her off her feet and they were united in marriage on June 27, 1945, at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, in Portage.

Tom and Florence settled on their 240-acre farm, in Ft. Winnebago, and a year later, welcomed their first daughter, Judy Ann. Working alongside her husband on the farm and assuming duties of motherhood at the age of 21 presented challenges, which Florence embraced. Judy Ann was the center of their universe until tragedy struck. Judy was severely burned in a freak accident and succumbed to her injuries shortly after turning a year old. It took every ounce of faith and unconditional love for these young parents to get thru this devastating period. But God is good, and blessed them with a son William Thomas, born July 10, 1948. Two more children would follow… Patricia Mary, born March 1, 1952, and Thomas Charles, born July 20, 1955.

Growing up on a family farm, the children soon learned to help with chores and work alongside their mom and dad. To help support the family, Florence raised and cared for 1500 chickens. She built up an egg business supplying the hospital, nursing home, grocery store, local bakeries, as well as, delivering eggs to customers around Portage. She became known as the ‘egg lady.’ At age 48, Florence applied for a position at Ray-O-Vac and often would say, “That was the best decision I ever made.” She loved working on the assembly line and made many friends there until retiring in 1990.

Tom and Florence loved to dance at the local Rod and Gun Club and shared many great Saturday nights snowmobiling with neighbors in the winter. After Tom passed away in 1998, Florence remained on the farm she dearly loved for 79 years. Her one wish was to be able to remain at her home until she died. God granted her that wish.

Florence is survived by her children, William and Patricia (John Peacock); sister-in-law, Larryne Crawford; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Tom; children Judy and Tom; daughter-in-law, Evelyn; and her ten siblings.

Florence was a vibrant, fun loving, content lady who put her family before herself and wore her faith on her sleeve. She gained many friendships over her life and treasured them all. Special thanks extended to Bill Mautz, who graced her with many beautiful bouquets from his garden, and Harley Blomberg, who considered her as a ‘second mom.’

A celebration of Florence’s life will be held Thursday, September 12, 2024, at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, in Portage. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and a Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 1:00 p.m. then with interment made at St Mary’s Cemetery.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.