Frances Syverson

Friday, July 12, 2024 10:17 pm

Frances Syverson, age 90, of Decorah, passed away on Friday, July 12, 2024, at Aase Haugen Senior Services in Decorah.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at St. Benedict Catholic Church 307 West Main Street, Decorah, with Rev. Donald Hertges presiding. Burial will be at St. Benedict Cemetery in Decorah.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, July 15, 2024, at Helms Funeral Home, 306 E. Water St in Decorah, and from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Tuesday morning. The Helms Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Frances Elizabeth “Franny”(Brown) Syverson was born on April 11, 1934, daughter of William and Mary Brown in Decorah, IA. Franny was baptized and confirmed at St. Bridget Catholic Church in Bluffton. She graduated from Decorah High School in 1953. She was united in marriage to LaVern Syverson on August 10, 1954, at St. Bridget Church. Franny worked for Super 8 Motel in Decorah as a housekeeper until she went to work for Decorah Community Schools as a lunch lady for 25 years. After retirement she volunteered at the Winneshiek Medical Center. Franny enjoyed playing cards, car rides with LaVern, dances at Matters and visiting family and friends. Above all, her greatest love was spoiling her grandchildren and attending all of their sports activities. In 2018, she became a resident of Aase Haugen Home. While there she enjoyed bingo, card playing, arts and crafts and Happy Hour.  She always looked forward to her 5:00 cocktail and her late-night card playing while enjoying her loaded chocolate sundaes.

Franny is survived by five children: Sharry (Tom) Szabo, Decorah, IA: Bev Roe Odebolt, IA: Barb (Dave) Meyer, Decorah, IA: Kevin (Marsha) Syverson, Decorah, IA: Cory (Heather) Syverson, Decorah, IA.  Thirteen grandchildren: Jessica (Brad) Jensen, Kayla (Jordan) Massman, Kelly (friend Bryce) Bender, Mitch (Britney) Roe, Bryton (Connor) Meyer. Dawson (friend Carson) Meyer, Adam (Luray) Hovey, Aaron (fiancé Lyndie) Syverson, Eric (Kara) Syverson, Olivia (Luke) Dixon, Grace (fiancé Jerod) Syverson, Cora (friend Keenan) Syverson, Ava Syverson.  Nine great grandchildren: Reece & Raylee Jensen, Jersey, Trey, Talan Bender & Brecken Godberson, Haddie & Lainey Massman, Mac Dixon and two more on the way! (Meyer and Dixon). One sister: Alice Hemesath. One sister in-law: Bonnie Syverson.

Franny was preceded in death by her husband, LaVern Syverson. Her parents: William and Mary (Donlon) Brown. One grandson: Willard Roe III. Sisters and brothers-in-law: Rose & Lester Sharp, Rita & Kenny Rude, Helen & Lester Engen, Willard & Regina Weber, Joe Hemesath, Evelyn Brown and two twin brothers, Ardell & Elaine Syverson, Elwood Syverson: Father & Mother in-law: Arthur & Alice (Estrem) Syverson.