Frances A. Pecinovsky

Wednesday, April 8, 2015 3:32 pm

Frances A. Pecinovsky, 76, of Cresco, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, April 5, 2015, in Rochester, Minn., surrounded by her family. A memorial mass is at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 11, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, with Father Nick March officiating. A private family inurnment of Dennis and Frances will take place at a later date in Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery. Visitation is 4-8 p.m., Friday, April 10, at the Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home, 123 North Main St. in Protivin, with a rosary recital at 3:30 p.m. and a scripture wake service at 7:30 p.m. Her family will continue greeting guests at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.

Frances was born Sept. 1, 1938, to Joe and Ann (Best) Boeding in St. Lucas. She graduated with the class of 1956 from St. Luke’s Catholic High School in St. Lucas, where she was a cheerleader, played basketball and was crowned prom queen. Immediately following high school, she babysat and worked for several families in the St. Lucas area. She also worked as a bookkeeper for Art’s Mill in Protivin for several years. Frances married Daniel Kerian in 1958, and they had four children. He preceded her in death in 1963.  Frances later married Dennis Pecinovsky and their loving family grew. Together they raised eight “favorite” children who all survive her:  Mary Kerian of Longmont, Colo., Ron (Rachel) Kerian of Richland Center, Wis., Marilyn (Keith) Schmitt of Longmont, Colo., Tom (Brenda) Kerian of Stoddard, Wis., Linda (Lyndon) Heiselman of Le Claire, Laura (Kevin) Smith of Longmont, Colo., Denise (Tracy) Northup of Decorah and Paul (Melinda Lindell) Pecinovsky of Charles City. Frances’s work ethic was demonstrated daily, as she farmed as a partner with Dennis alongside their children for nearly 50 years. In addition to her many roles on the farm, Frances was well known for her cooking and baking and for never letting anyone visit without a little bit to eat. Having raised eight children, it was obvious Frances was a tremendous caregiver, but she continued to demonstrate unwavering love and devotion by providing primary caregiving for Dennis during his years of poor physical health prior to his death in 2013.  Frances’s “favorite people called her Grandma” and these survivors include: Anna Kerian, Adam (Julia Bystol) Kerian, Bryan Kerian, Cassie Kerian, Ben Kerian, Victoria Kerian, Samantha Kerian, AJ Zeman, Zach Zeman, Aaron (Lea Gibbens) Schmitt, Allison Schmitt, Nicole (Drew) Adey, Matt Kerian, Angie West, Casey West, Brad West, Alex Heiselman, Garrett Heiselman, Erica Heiselman, Connor Smith, Dalton Smith, Abby Northup, Ryan Northup and Eden Northup. Frances also had two great-grandchildren, Trenton and Ava Kerian.

Besides her children and grandchildren, Frances is survived by her sisters Elaine (the late David) Croatt of Lawler, Mary Jo (Joe) Sabelka of Lawler, Ruth (Jim) Huffman of New Hampton, and Karen (Bob) Messersmith of New Hampton.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents Joe and Ann Boeding, her step-father LeRoy Huffman, two husbands, Daniel Kerian and Dennis Pecinovsky, a sister, Arlene Wenthold, a brother, Eugene Boeding, a nephew, Kenny Wenthold and many in-laws and cousins.

Anyone who had the pleasure of meeting Frances not only didn’t go hungry, but also knew what a wonderful, patient, and dedicated person she was throughout her life. She was a great example of hard work and determination for all who knew her. In keeping with Frances’s generous spirit, she made the decision to continue to love unselfishly and give to others by donating life through organ and tissue donation.  Donations in Frances’s honor may be sent to: Life Source Organ and Tissue Donation, 2225 West River Road North, Minneapolis, MN 55411.