Frances Steen

Frances “Fran” Steen, 92, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Tuesday, February 26, 2013, at PioneerCare in Fergus Falls.

She was born to Slovenian immigrants John and Mary Perko in McKinley, Minnesota, on December 3, 1920. After receiving her education on the “Iron Range” at McKinley and Gilbert High School and Eveleth Community College, Fran took a Civil Service position at the Fergus Falls State Hospital as bookkeeper in 1941. She married George Steen, a Fergus Falls native, in August of 1942, prior to George joining the US Army Air Force for service during WW II.

Fran continued working at the FFSH until George’s return and their first child, Jenifer was born. Following were Margaret, Bill, Ross, Richard, and Mary Kris. After dedicating many years to raising her family, Fran returned to the FFSH as the executive assistant in hospital administration until she retired in 1980. During those years, she was able to balance motherhood, community service, her career, and hobbies.

An avid gardener, card player, church and school volunteer, Lake Alice walker, and loyal member (with George) of the local Elks Lodge, Fran never lost sight of her most important position as one of Mother. Fran and George kept their home on Cedar Avenue in Fergus Falls, living the well-deserved retired life, entertaining friends and family until 1994, when Fran underwent surgery to remove a benign brain-stem tumor. The quick recovery and back-to-driving after seven weeks was short-lived, as she needed a second surgery. Subsequent health issues led to stays at Pioneer Pointe, Mill Street Apartments, and the Pioneer Care Center. She was always appreciative of the wonderful care she received wherever she lived.

Fran was preceded in death by her husband, George, parents, John and Mary Perko, brothers, John (Ben) Perko and Bill Perko, sisters, Mayme Maki and Julia Lau, and a great-granddaughter.

She will be dearly missed by daughters, Jenifer (Gary) Mayer, Margaret (Phil) Palazzari, Mary (Charlie) Morel, and sons, Bill (Julie), Ross, and Richard (Laurie). Also surviving are grandsons, Joe Mayer, Andrew and Adam Palazzari, Andrew, Jacob, Charlie and Alex Steen, and Michael Thompson, and granddaughters, Anna Mayer, Melissa (Steen) Greene, Jenna Steen, Maria (Steen) Ibarra, Katie (Morel) Herrmann, Dani (Morel) Eliel, and Nikki (Morel) Erickson. Eighteen great-grandchildren will also miss Grandma Fran, as will many nieces and nephews. Also surviving are her sister, Ann Pershern, and sister-in-law Marlys Steen.

There will be a memorial service held in the spring of 2013, Fran’s favorite time of the year. Arrangements were provided by Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls.