One time I went with Autumn to a family wedding at a little forest preserve-type place. It was a great time, and I went driving with Autumn and Fran, and I think Molly and Garrett too. At this preserve, there were some roads that dipped down a bit in certain spots and were covered with about a foot of water. You could wade or drive through these areas, but you were only supposed to drive through them at 5mph.
Of course, being the rebellious type, Autumn at the wheel, and some teenage girls wading in the water, we decided it would be far more fun to go OVER 5 mph and splash them. The responsible mother in Fran made her tell us not to do it, but with me chanting in Autumn's ear, "DO IT, DO IT" Autumn succumbed to my persuasion and flew through the water, completely soaking the girls. Needless to say they weren't happy, and they knew to bolt the next time they saw Autumn's car coming down the road. Though Fran acted mad for a split second, the inner-child in her came out, and she started cracking up right along with us. No matter how old she was, Fran liked to have fun, and understood the beauty of a good prank. She will certainly be missed:) My love goes out to Autumn, my best friend, and to all of her family who I love like my own.
Mischa Andersen
West Des Moines, IA
2010-02-25 02:41 pm
I worked with Fran for almost 10yrs.We had many good times and our share of bad. We fought like sisters do,But we never left work mad at each other. She would always say or do something to make me laugh or maybe it was beacuse we got called into the office a few times like school kids.We were one big family with cook outs,birthday parties,Christmas parties,and of course volleyball at Snell Park.Fran was alway the one who dove for the ball.Im sure she went to work the next day a little sore more than once.But she was there rain,sleet or snow.I remember going to a Grand Funk concert at Kennedy Lake. We partied like Rock Stars. But that was our era and we knew the words to every song.I know she loved her family, her life, and her job. And I think she loved us all too. She will be deeply missed for a very long time.
Kim Redman
Fort Dodge Ia
2010-02-26 07:50 pm
I worked with Fran for I think 5 years. She was a kind big hearted lady. She knew how to have fun too! She will be missed by many.
Linda Swanson
Fort Dodge, IA
2010-02-26 10:01 pm
I have worked with Fran for about 5 years. Every morning we worked together she was always smileing, not once was she not. I would always say, "Good morning Fran" and she would respond with a "hello" or "how are you?" She always put a smile on my face... There aren't any words that could ever explain how thoughtful, nice, respectful and funny she was. She was Fran. She was an amazing woman. One of my favorite memories was when I was putting together a bachlorette party for my brothers wife. I was talking to Christy about the party and Fran overheard me talking, about ten minutes later she came to me telling me jokes that I could say at the party, and games I could play! What I am trying to say is that she was just an amazing person. If you needed her she was there, If you needed help she helped you in a heartbeat and if you needed a good laugh she would give you one.
I will always miss her.
Melissa Marvin
Fort Dodge, IA
2010-02-27 04:19 am
