Frances Irene Brennecke, 89, Chanute, died at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 24, 2008, at the Parsons Presbyterian Manor. She had been in failing health.

She was born March 3, 1919, in Galesburg to Everett and Bertha Trabue Letcher. She attended Galesburg schools, graduating from Galesburg High School in 1937. Upon completing high school she began working at the Quality Café in Parsons.

On June 2, 1940 she married Paul T. Brennecke at the parsonage of the United Brethren Church. He survives.

The couple made their home in Parsons and Leavenworth. During World War II they lived in Pittsburg. While her husband was serving in the Korean War, she lived in Lebanon, Mo., and Mineral Wells, Texas. After her husband’s discharge they moved to Chanute where they operated the Paul T. Brennecke Insurance and Real Estate Agency. She worked there until her retirement.

She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church at Chanute, the Order of Eastern Star and the VFW Auxiliary.

Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Gary D. and Martha Brennecke, Parsons, and Craig E. and Diana Brennecke, Temple, Texas; four grandchildren, Janese Barnhardt, Nixa, Mo., Michael D. Brennecke, Parsons, Rebekah Miller, Temple, Texas, and Christina Brennecke, Seguin, Texas; six great-grandchildren; and a brother, Wayne Letcher, Erie.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Mabel Matuska; twin brothers, Leslie and Lester Letcher; a half-sister, Opal Gough; a half-brother, Orville “Tink” Killian; several cousins, nephews and nieces.

Funeral will be 2 p.m. Thursday at First Presbyterian Church in Chanute with the Rev. Shelly Holle officiating. Burial will be in the Mt. Hope Cemetery at Galesburg under the direction of Carson-Wall Funeral Home, Parsons.

The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until service time Thursday at the church. Friends may call after 4 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Contributions to the First Presbyterian Church, Chanute, may be made in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357.