Jane Fruechtenicht

D. Jane (Vail) Fruechtenicht, 87, Indianapolis, IN, died peacefully on Thursday, October 20. She was born November 6, 1934, in Fort Wayne, to the late Raymond and Josephine Vail. Jane is survived by her children Stewart (Sharon) Brase, Brian (Sue) Brase, Scot Brase, Matthew (Monica) Brase, Gregg (Jamy) Brase, Shondell (Scott) Patterson, AJ Brase, and her stepson Robert (Laurie) Fruechtenicht; 14 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Also surviving is her sister Joan (Charles) Thompson and nieces and nephews that she loved dearly. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Thomas Fruechtenicht, stepdaughter Beth Fruechtenicht Aney, brothers John and Patrick Vail, and sisters Marion Kramer and Geri Wahl. Jane graduated from Central Catholic High School in Ft. Wayne in 1952 and went right to work at Lincoln Life Insurance Company. She married and moved to Indianapolis where she started and raised a family of seven children. She was a generous volunteer. She was heavily involved at St. Thomas Aquinas, serving as Parish Council President at the time Vatican II was implemented. In that role she figured importantly in the parish's transition from its old clapboard church to a model Vatican II church. She was a great school and sports mom for her kids at St. Thomas and Brebeuf Preparatory. Jane volunteered for the Indiana Deaf School helping to raise funds and awareness. She even went as far as fostering a young deaf boy. Seven children weren't enough, she always had more love to give. In 1975 she went to work at the Indiana State House in the typing pool. Due to her effervescent personality, work ethic, speed, and accuracy she quickly worked her way up to be secretary to the Speaker of the House of Representatives. A staunch Democrat, she worked for the party at the precinct and state level. Jane was a firm believer in the two-party system, so much so that she reached across the aisle and married a fine Republican, Tom Fruechtenicht, the love of her life. Together with their combined family of nine children, they built a home full of love, laughter and singing. They shared 33 years of marital bliss - the happiest years of her life. Following the State House, Jane worked at the Indiana Electric Association, where she helped coordinate the joint efforts of the five major Utility companies in Indiana. Upon her retirement in 1997, Governor Frank O'Bannon awarded her the state's highest honor, the Sagamore of the Wabash. More than these wonderful accomplishments, Jane was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Family meant the world to her. She raised her children to love one another the same way she loved her own siblings. Her loyalty to friends was so strong that her very best friends were those she has had since the 1st grade. Jane had a smile that would light up a room and an infectious laugh that came easily. She was generous with her smiles until the time of her death. The family will welcome friends to a calling at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 4600 North Illinois Street, Indianapolis, starting at 10:00 am Wednesday, October 26. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 am. All are invited to a funeral luncheon at Woodstock Club, 1301 W 38th St., immediately following the funeral. Memorial Contributions can be made to the trust for her son AJ who continues to battle MS, I.A.W.L. 7961 Ferrell Lane, Indianapolis, IN 46260.

Jane Fruechtenicht

November 6, 1934 - October 20, 2022