Frances M. Groenewold

'FRAN' GROENEWOLD was born the 11th of 13 children to Evert and Fannie (Driesen) Brands on January 17, 1940 in Rock Valley, IA. She was raised on the family farm near Rock Valley. The family later moved to a farm near Jasper, MN, where she attended country school through the eighth grade. Following her education, she remained living on the farm and helped with outside chores and housework. When she was old enough, Fran moved into an apartment in Pipestone, MN, and worked as a waitress at Lange’s Caf.

On March 24, 1959, Fran was united in marriage to John Groenewold by the Rev. John H. Groenewold at the Christian Reformed Church in Pipestone. In the early years of their marriage the couple lived in Pipestone, Slayton and Woodstock, MN. In 1962, they returned to Pipestone and owned and operated J & F Family Shoes. They later sold the business and Fran spent the next number of years working for OK Cleaners, Brastad’s and Bayliner. Along with working, Fran enjoyed raising the couple’s five children. Her children, and John, loved her cooking – especially her cookies and pies! When she wasn’t cooking or working, Fran sewed many clothes for her children to wear. As the children all grew up, Fran rode along often with John as he drove truck. She also returned to Lange’s Caf and worked primarily in the bakery. In June of 2011, Fran formally retired. On Friday, September 23, 2011 Fran unexpectedly died at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD, with family at her side at the age of 71 years, eight months, and six days.

Fran was a member of the Christian Reformed Church in Pipestone. She enjoyed baking and was known by many as a wonderful cook. She also enjoyed spending time both vegetable and flower gardening. Fran loved spending time with her children as they grew up and later in life also loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered in countless memories.

Fran is lovingly remembered by her husband, John; five children, Cindy Ahlers (Mike Rustad) of Pipestone, Brenda (Tim) VandenBerg of Pipestone, Wanda (Steve) Powell of Pipestone, Loren (Lisa) Groenewold of Trosky, MN, and Mark Groenewold of Sioux Falls, SD; 11 grandchildren, Justin (Dana) Ahlers, Jeremy Ahlers, Travis Ahlers, Marie (Mike) Slotemaker, Amanda (Nick) Neubert, Melissa VandenBerg (fianc, Tyler Bassett), Mathhew (Kari) Yonkers, Kimberly Yonkers, BJ (Megan) Groenewold, Cody Groenewold (Jessica Waters), and Derek Velure; two great-grandchildren, Owen Neubert and Liam Slotemaker; eight siblings, Henrietta Van Dyke of Sioux Falls, John (Mary) Brands of Hardwick, MN, Rolena Dooyema of Sumas, WA, Ed (Marcene) Brands of Sioux Falls, Lorraine (Albert) Van Dyke of Pipestone, Henry (Marlene) Brands of Zeeland, MI, Bernard (Sue) Brands of Luverne, MN, and Harold (Marilyn) Brands of Hadley, MN; two sister-in-laws, Hattie Brands of Pipestone, and Hattie Brands of Sioux Falls; and other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; two siblings, Jim and Gerrit Brands; and two infant siblings, Rena and Gerrit Brands.
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