Frances Crawford
January 12, 1951 ~ May 16, 2020
Frances "Francie" Ruth Crawford age 69 of Fredericksburg, IA, died Saturday, May 16, 2020, at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN.
Private funeral services will be held 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, May 20, 2020, at the United Methodist Church, Fredericksburg with Rev. Michael Christie and Hugh Mackintosh presiding. Interment will be at the New Barclay Cemetery, rural Dunkerton, IA.
PLEASE JOIN THE CRAWFORD FAMILY VIA FACEBOOK LIVE ON THE HUGEBACK-JOHNSON FUNERAL HOMES FACEBOOK PAGE, 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, May 20, 2020 .
Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.
Frances “Francie” Ruth Crawford was born January 12, 1951, in Cudahay, WI, the daughter of Charles and Barbara (Burkitt) Vickers, and she was the second of four girls. Her family moved to the small western Iowa town of Mapleton, where her father owned the Maple Theater. It was a family business, and all four girls worked at the theater, which is where Francie definitely developed her taste for popcorn.
During the middle of her junior year of high school, the family moved to Sioux City, where Francie was a member of the Class of 1969. Her old school, Maple Valley, remained close to her heart; in fact, she attended reunions for both schools.
She attended the University of Northern Iowa, obtaining her degree in Elementary Education and meeting her future husband, Steve. They were married on July 27, 1974, at the Barclay United Presbyterian Church, rural Dunkerton, IA. Their wedding took place in the same church and on the same date of Steve's parents, 30 years later.
The couple welcomed two daughters, Leslie and Laura, mainly settling down in Waterloo, IA before moving to Fredericksburg in 1987 when Steve took a job teaching and coaching.
Francie found her calling at St. Joseph Hospital in New Hampton, where she served as the Community Outreach and Education Coordinator for 22 years before becoming the Volunteer Coordinator at Iowa Hospice, which later became St. Croix Hospice.
Francie was a people person, and she never uttered an unkind word to anyone. She loved to cook and only God knows how many people requested Francie’s recipes.
She was a big supporter of her husband and daughters. Steve traveled throughout the Midwest and sometimes further to play softball, and Francie was always with him. Leslie and Laura were involved in volleyball, basketball, track, golf, softball, and music, and Francie rarely, if ever, missed a chance to support her daughters in their endeavors. They point out that they got their “athletics” from Dad’s side of the family and their “music and golf” from Mom’s.
Francie and Steve also hosted a foreign-exchange student in 2000, Louise McGoldrich, from Scotland, and they loved the chance to reconnect on one of their four trips to Europe — three of which were taken when they took girls' basketball teams to Ireland. Francie’s love of travel allowed her to visit 49 of the 50 states, missing out only on South Carolina.
She was first diagnosed with cancer in 1988 when doctors found she had Hodgkin’s. Four years later, the cancer returned, but like the first time, Francie won the battle against the disease. In 2006, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, and again, she showed remarkable strength through another health crisis. She never complained; she just kept fighting.
She was a member of the PEO and active in the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life. In 2004, she was selected to be the Iowa recipient of the organization's Profile in Courage award. She served as an ambassador for their National Relay for Life in Washington, D.C. on three occasions. She also was involved in the Fredericksburg community and served Fredericksburg United Methodist Church in a variety of ways.
Francie never lost her zest for family. She made as many of her grandson Tristan’s games as she could and loved to video call her grandchildren in Colorado.
There are an infinite number of ways Francie will be remembered by her husband, her daughters, her grandchildren, her dear friends who were like family, and her communities, but maybe the best way to sum up her life is that she made the world a better place while she was here.
Survivors include her husband, Steve; two daughters, Leslie (James) Winder of Waterloo, Laura (Jim) Kopaska of Westminster, CO; six grandchildren, Tristan Wright, Lilly Winder, Hadley Kopaska, Lawson Kopaska, Brody Winder, Abbey Winder; three sisters, Jeanne Braun of Medina, OH, Charlene Burgess of Rogue River, OR, Barbara Jo “Bobbi” (Shane) Pugh of Woodward, IA; brothers-in-law, William (Elaine) Crawford of Glidden, IA, Richard (Patricia) Crawford of Waterloo, Jeffrey Crawford of San Antonio, TX.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a granddaughter, Laney Winder; and a dear niece, Tonya.
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Steve, Leslie and Laura, We are so sorry for your loss. She was a sweet lady and a wonderful neighbor. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Dena and Zac Palmer and Dean Speicher.
Words cannot express our sorrow. Francie was the sweetest most sincere lady we have ever known. Hugs to you Steve, Leslie, Laura and your families. She will be missed. Rest in Peace sweet Francie. Richard & Diane Schoonover
Our deepest sympathy to Francie’s family. She left many with such wonderful memories. Such a loving, kind person.
May the memories of your loved one console you in the days ahead. Our prayers to her family. Jeanne and David Roder
Our sincere condolences to Steve and family. She was a fun and very caring person that will be missed in family and community. Sincerely, Ken & Sue Benning, Ryan, Kara and Gina
Steve & family, My prayers and sympathy to all of you on the loss of Francie. Francie was a special friend of mine–always getting together for our birthdays and visiting about our families. Francie will be missed by many but she has left many memories for all to cherish. May she rest in peace.
I am so sorry to hear of Francie’s passing. She was such a wonderful burst of sunshine whenever I saw her. My deepest sympathy to her family.
My deepest sympathy for your loss. Sending prayers. She was a wonderful lady.
Francie was a special person who will always be remembered by the lives she touched. She definitely was an angel here on earth.
Deepest sympathy to Steve and family
We send our sincere love and sympathy to Steve, Leslie, Laura and family! We feel so lucky to have called Francie our friend. She was living and cared for everyone! Her spirit will live on in all of you! Love to you all! Kathy and John Schultz Angela and Will Karla, Chris, Madison band Trip
Steve and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Francine was a special person that you all shared with us and I am sure that God has a special place for her, in his arms. God bless you all.
My sincere sympathies to you, Steve, to Leslie and Laura. The world has lost the sweetest soul imaginable. Francie was a asset to all the organizations with whom she affiliated with her concern for and interest in others. She will be missed.
Such a sweet & caring lady … Francie you will be remembered and are in the hearts of many. RIP My sympathy goes out to the family. Naydene & Keith Reicks
My deepest sympathy to your family. Francine was one of the nicest people I have ever met; and I never saw her without a smile on her face. May she Rest In Peace. 🙏
Prayers and condolences to Francie’s family. A sweet and sincere lady that will be missed by many.
Francie organized the cancer support meetings at the hospital for many years. I have fond memories of Francie. She was always upbeat and kind. Her recipes were good.😊 With sympathy, Geri
I enjoyed volunteering for Francie at St. Croix Hospice. Her cancer battle is over but her beautiful spirit and legacy lives on.
We will be sending special thoughts and prayers for you all Wednesday🥰🙏
My deepest condolences for your loss. Francie always brightened my day when I worked with her at the hospital. I will forever remember her kindness and compassion.
I always enjoyed visiting with Francie and having her assist with programs. Sympathies to her family.
Thinking of Francie’s family during this difficult time, sending thoughts and prayers your way. I enjoyed the time I worked with her at the hospital. She will be missed by many.
I want to express my sympathy to all of Francie’s family. Our friendship began in Mapleton, Iowa when the Vicker’s family moved to town. Our Mom’s and Chuck sang in the choir at the Methodist Church. Francie and I were “told” by our parents to sit in the front row in front of the choir loft. One year Francie and I both got can can slips to wear under our Easter dresses. Oh my did we get the looks from our parents when we started to wiggle and scratch and of coarse giggle ! Neither one of us ever forgot that Sunday. So many more precious memories. The world I grew up in was so much better because of our beautiful friendship.. God Bless all of you. With love, Dee Ann Jacobson Paulsrud
Francie was my dear friend. I will truly miss her. You didn’t have to be with her very long to know her political persuasion or what kind of a person she was. God love you, Francie!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you…knowing Francie was a gift…we enjoyed every opportunity to talk, cheer and also got a few hugs in…during our talks you heard the love she had for her family…and also her strong faith…her strong spirit was obvious and is felt in our hearts …may that same spiritual strength ease your pain of loss and fill your hearts! God’s love and blessings always and forever! Sally and Darrell Ludwig
My deepest sympathies to Steve and family. I will always remember Francie’s beautiful smile and positive attitude that she carried with her from the first time I met her when she got me signed up as a volunteer at the hospital and thereafter. Francie was so kind to me and made me feel so welcomed. She will be missed by many. She surely was a treasure. Rest in peace, Francie!
God’s peace to Francie and strength to Steve. Know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Michael McCurry
Thoughts and prayers for comfort now and in days to come. God’s arms are around you all .
I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of Francie. I was privileged to get to know her through the Chickasaw Relay for Life committee. So was so passionate about the fight for cancer and was always offering words of encouragement to all cancer patients and survivors, acting as her experience was almost non-existent. She was so kind and I can say with confidence that heaven gained an angel. Thinking of you all during this time.
I worked in the Methodist Church office in Sumner. When I would call Francie and get her answering machine, she always had an inspiring uplifting message that ended with … and how is it in your corner of the world. I never had the opportunity to meet her, I sure I had. She will be missed by many.
Francie was so caring and thoughtful. I enjoyed working with her and will always have a place for her in my heart and memories. Thinking of her family and dearest friends during this difficult time.
Steve and family, I am so very sorry to hear of Francie’s passing. She was such a kind, special soul and I am happy to have known her. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Steve and family, So sorry for your loss. You have our condolences. Glen and Celeste and family
I did not know Francie very well until last summer when I came out to a sports complex in Johnson County to watch Steve in a slow pitch softball tournament. We talked for nearly four hours straight. We went from acquaintances to friends in those hours. Francie knew Anita’s cousin, Christine Hagedorn, who farmed near Fredericksburg as well. We renewed our friendship at the reunion and I was glad to talk to her and Steve, and introduce them to Anita. RIP friend, and condolences to her family and all those who knew her.
Steve, I’m so sorry to see that Francie has entered the next leg of her ‘journey’, even though it’s been years since we have met in person, both of you will always be in my good memories! Warmest Personal Regards! Tom Taber
Crawford family: Please accept my deepest sympathy in the passing of your dear Francie. I worked with Francie when I was a Relay For Life coordinator. She was the ultimate volunteer! No one was more compassionate or helpful than Francie. She was a valued member of many ACS activities. To say she will be missed by many is an understatement. May memories of her sweet smile and generous nature bring peace to your hearts. CJ Niles, Carroll
With heavy hearts we send our sincere sympathy to Steve, Leslie, Laura and their families. Francie was such a sweet and gentle person who will leave a large void. At least I can look back with fondness of all the time we spent together at softball diamonds while our husbands played slow pitch softball for many years with the Niederhauser team. We raised our kids together at those games. I can remember the time Francie felt so bad because baby Leslie had gotten a sunburn while at a game. The times we shared all the joys and tribulations of being new mothers. The great friendships among the wives of the team. The fun of a Niederhauser team reunion several years ago. And finally a wonderful day spent last summer with Steve and Francie here in the Quad Cities while Steve was STILL playing softball with a senior’s team. I was impressed that day that Francie was so bright and cheerful even though it was obvious her health situation was having a big impact on her. We wish Steve and his whole family comfort and peace in the difficult days ahead. Mike & Dorothy Neff
Mr. Crawford (sorry, you will always be Mr. Crawford to me), Leslie, Laura, and family, I and so many others will truly miss Francie’s infectious smile, kind words, and warm hugs. No matter how long it had been since we had last seen each other, she always embraced me with a hug and huge smile and asked about my life. She genuinely cared for others in such a precious way. I had the privilege of being cheered on by Francie while playing and running for Coach Crawford. I was fortunate to have her at many of my special life events, as she helped at showers and was present through school and after as a good family friend. I had the lucky opportunity to do some painting for her over the years in her home. She always made sure I was well taken care of with special treats, and I couldn’t help but leave her presence with a big smile on my face. She has made such an impact on the lives of so many people. I praise God for the opportunity to grow up knowing Francie, and look forward to seeing her once again with Jesus. My prayers and deepest sympathy to your family during this time.
Steve, I am so sorry to see you lost, what it was my impression, your life long soul mate. My heart goes out to you.
I remember fondly growing up with Francie in Mapleton, Iowa. Francie was the younger sister of my friend Jeanne. Sometimes when Jeanne was working at the Maple Theatre, I’d get to babysit and receive theatre passes; I loved that. Although I haven’t seen Francie since we all grew up except during a visitation when her father passed away, I’ve read many of the tributes to her and know she will be missed by many who loved her. What a wonderful lady who fought so hard to remain with her loved ones.
I am sad to hear of Francie’s death. She was so kind and upbeat. She definitely made the world a happier place for those lucky to know her. I was glad to see her last fall at a political rally. My condolences to all her family on the liss of a special woman.
Our sympathy to Steve and family. Thoughts and prayers in this difficult time. Jerry and Cindy Martinek
Our sincere & heartfelt sympathy to Francie’s family. We have so many great memories of working at the hospital with her. Always a bright & ready smile while she would ask how you were with sincere concern. Richard said that she was a great lady & did so much for New Hampton. He also enjoyed seeing her & her Dad at the barbershop each spring in Mason City. Heaven is truly richer for her presence & she will be sorely missed here. Our love & prayers. Dr Richard & Brita Reams
To All of Francie’s Family: I am so sorry to read of Francie’s passing. She was always smiling and so friendly. Although I had not seen her for some time, she was always a friend. Take care Steve, Richard, and Pat, and all the family. Melodie Cummings
TO: STEVE AND ALL FAMILY MEMBERS. Ken Burgess and Sandy Here from England. Very sorry to hear of the passing of Francie, Kendra emailed me with the sad news! I will always remember her smile and kindness when attending holiday events, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. KEEP THE FAITH!
Although we didn’t know her very long, her presence was contagious. She was sweet through & through. Our love and sympathies go out to Steve & their family. May the Lord’s love & presence strengthen them and guide them always. In Jesus’ name… amen. Rich & Janell Miller
Dear Steve & family, I just now seen that Francie died. It took my breath away. She was my boss at New Hampton when I taught CPR there. I LOVED her. She was always smiling & so nice to work for. She always remembered to wish me happy birthday. I can only imagine how much she will be missed by all of you. I will keep you all in my thoughts. Zenda Vikturek