Grace I. (Frasch) Kulpa

Grace I. Kulpa, age 102, of Two Rivers passed away peacefully at home with family by her side on Sunday, September 18, 2022.

Grace was born February 23, 1920, in Two Rivers, daughter of the late Norbert and Mary Jane “Jennie” (LeClair) Frasch.  She was a graduate of Washington High School with the Class of 1937.  On April 26, 1939, she was united in marriage to Frank Kulpa, Sr. at St. Luke’s Catholic Church, Two Rivers.  He preceded her in death on November 15, 2002.

Grace owned and operated Kulpa Fisheries in Two Rivers with her husband Frank. She spent countless hours boiling and washing 12 boxes of cotton gill nets every two weeks, daily reeling and drying, mending and repairing nets, removing dry nets from reels, and packing in wood or steel fish boxes to be loaded in the boat for next day’s fishing. This was done every day with help from her mother, sister Beatrice and her children and Ed Kreisa. She also did fish roe "caviar" from chubs that were gill netted from November to March with numerous family members. Grace also raised 7 children.

Grace loved to clear land and plant her trees which she grew from seeds, and she planted beautiful flower gardens wherever she was. In her early retirement years, she loved to crochet, counted stitching, and enjoyed making braided rag rugs. Grace and Frank went on numerous vacations and traveled to many places. They also wintered for 20 years in Winter Garden, Florida.

Grace was a long-time member of the VFW Auxiliary, St. Peter the Fisherman Parish, Calico and Kerchief Square Dancing, a Charter member of Happy Hoppers Polka Dancing, and the Two Rivers Senior Center.

Grace is survived by her children: Mary Lou (Daniel Sr.) Messman, Joanne Holly and Special Friend Barry Ertman, Kenneth (Pattie) Kulpa, Steve (Julie) Kulpa, Frank (Marissa) Kulpa, all of Two Rivers, Eileen Weina, John (Betty) Kulpa from Pensaukee, Wisconsin; 21 grandchildren: David (Tami) Messman, Annie Meneau and Special Friend Ron Meyer, Daniel Messman Jr. and Special Friend Nikki Delfosse, Sister Deb Weina, Dale (Alice) Weina, Donald (Laura) Weina, Dennis Jr. (Stacy) Weina, Denise (Mark) Wilson, Deanne Wells, John Jr. (Kimberly) Kulpa, Joey Kulpa and Special Friend Crystal Hasselman, Jeremy (Chris) Kulpa, Randy (April) Kulpa, Jason Kulpa and Special Friend Amber Flessert, Renae (Rob) Specht, Stephanie (Jacob) Kunesh, Samantha Kulpa and Special Friend Nick Kasten, Stacie Kulpa and Special Friend Tom Buchholtz, Frank Kulpa III, and Megan (David) Malchek; 34 great-grandchildren and 15 great-great-grandchildren. Many other relatives and friends also survive.

She was preceded in her death by her parents: Norbert and Jennie Frasch; sister: Beatrice; baby sister: Ruth; two sons-in-law: Thomas Holly and Dennis Weina Sr.; two grandsons: Steven and Scott Messman; one great-grandson: Joshua Magiary.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 23, 2022, at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church, 3201 Mishicot Rd., Two Rivers. Officiating the Mass of Christian Burial will be Rev. Larry Seidl, with burial to take place at Calvary Cemetery in Two Rivers following services.

The family will greet relatives and friends at the church on Friday, September 23, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com

The family would like to extend a special thank you to great-granddaughter Kari Specht for living and taking care of Grandma this past year with help from her mother Renae Specht and sister Kati Specht, Angela Cortte, Samantha Kulpa, and Amber Flessert. Thanks to all involved!

Grace is now dancing in heaven with her beloved Frank!

The Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Klein & Stangel location of Two Rivers, is assisting the family with arrangements.

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