Frances "Fran" Pike

Frances “Fran” Pike, 77, of Dousman, Wisconsin passed away on Monday, November 2, 2026, following a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Fran was born on November 23, 1948, in Waukegan, Illinois, to Michael and Katina Zagoras, hardworking immigrants from Greece. As the firstborn child in a home where little English was spoken, Fran faced challenges in school that helped spark her lifelong passion for education. That passion only grew throughout her academic journey, eventually leading her to earn a degree in education from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater.

While attending UW-Whitewater Fran met her husband, Ken Pike, who had recently returned from serving in the U.S. Army and his tour in the Vietnam War. They were married May 26,1973, in the Greek Orthodox Church in Waukegan, Illinois. Together, they settled into their longtime home on Pretty Lake in Dousman, where they lived for more than 50 wonderful years, building a life and raising their two sons Bradley and Justin.

Fran began her teaching career at Grass Lake School in Illinois. She went on to spend many years as a substitute teacher in the Kettle Moraine School District, St. Bruno’s School, and other area schools.

Above all else, Fran’s life revolved around her family. In the early years, she treasured weekends with her boys and nieces at the Pike family cottage on Green Lake, enjoying boating, trips to the Princeton Flee Market, and, of course, plenty of good food! She was a Cub Scout leader, a Sunday school teacher, and a devoted mother who never missed one of her boys’ sporting events. She was also an active member of the Pretty Lake women’s organization, the “Ladies of the Lake,” supporting community activities and gatherings. Her home on Pretty Lake was a place of countless picnics, celebrations, and cherished memories with family and friends.

Nothing, however, brought Fran greater joy than her grandchildren, who lovingly called her “Yiayia.” She loved spending time with them, preparing their favorite meals, and making every occasion feel special. A wonderful cook and talented baker, she lovingly created personalized birthday cakes decorated with each grandchild’s favorite character or sports team.

Fran also had a lifelong love for arts and crafts, especially when she could share that passion with children and, most of all, her grandchildren. In recent years, she discovered a particular joy in cardmaking. Every birthday and family milestone was an opportunity to create a beautiful, handmade card, each one thoughtfully designed for the person receiving it. It was one of the many ways she showed her love and made those around her feel so special.

Fran is survived by her beloved husband of 53 years, Ken; her sister, Frieda Hansen; her brother, Paul Zagoras (Yunako); her sons, Bradley and Justin (Stephanie); and her seven cherished grandchildren Christopher, Christanna, Cailyn, Cylas, Corbin, Elizabeth, and Alicia.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Katina Zagoras, and her brother-in-law, John Hansen.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate medical teams at the Aurora Cancer Center in Oconomowoc, and the Duke Cancer Center in Durham, North Carolina, for their extraordinary care throughout Fran’s illness. During her treatment at Duke, Fran participated in a clinical trial for a new medication that was subsequently approved by the FDA. That treatment gave Fran and her family 14 more precious months together, time they will forever cherish.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) to support ongoing research for pancreatic cancer, or to Emmanuel United Church of Christ, in Dousman, Wisconsin.

A visitation honoring Fran’s life will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2026, beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Emmanuel United Church of Christ in Dousman (36821 Sunset Drive, Oconomowoc) followed by a service at 2:30 p.m. and a luncheon. A private burial will be held at Town of Ottawa Cemetery.