Francesca Driendle "Omi" Schoeck's Obituary
Francesca Driendl Schoeck “Omi”
Known as Omi by many, Frances Schoeck passed away just as she wished: in her home, surrounded by family, on July 18, 2022.
Frances was born December 29, 1928 in Fussen, Germany to Antone & Louise Driendl. Her Sound of Music Bavarian town was surrounded by beautiful mountains, lakes, cows with bells, wildflowers and the most iconic Castle Neuschwanstein. The youngest of three, Francesca loved to hike, ski, bicycle everywhere and help on the family farm (but always managed to avoid milking the cows).
Her fairytale life was disrupted when American soldiers occupied their town and home in WWII and she learned the hardships of war differently than many of us could imagine. In 1949 a former German solider and handsome stone-mason, Werner Schoeck swept her off her feet and she was married January 3rd, 1950. He convinced her to start a new life with him in America and with nothing more than a few suitcases, very little money and English skills, but a rock-solid work ethic, they landed in Utah to build a new life.
Together they worked through some very tough times and saved for a home and start a family. They had three sons Bill (Chris), Rick (Cindy) and Randy (Cathie) and later eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Omi loved her family so much and enjoyed every second she could spend with them, but always longed for her other home in Germany. She loved cooking big German dinners with her famous potato salad, spaetzle noodles, and German wieners. She is perhaps best known for her delicious “wood cake” and she shared it with everyone.
Frances was a devout Catholic and attended mass every Sunday. She loved fishing at Strawberry, being the first on and last off the ski lifts, camping for weeks at Star Valley, her poker parties, her close German & Dutch friends, and always feeding her big hungry sons. You never left Omi’s house hungry.
She requested a closed casket and all your best memories of her to stay in your hearts. A brief service will be held at St Ann’s Church (21st South 5th East) Friday, July 22nd at noon, followed by a gathering in the church vestibule. Internment and blessing of the grounds will follow at Larkin Cemetery, 1950 East, 10600 South at 2:30pm where she will rejoin her Opa of 60 years. The family wants to thank the caring and compassionate nurses Ronda and Denise of Aspen Ridge Hospice and Lucy, Nana and Vika for their gentle care of Omi in her final days. Rest in peace Omi and enjoy many cold beers with Dad in Heaven. Prost!
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