Visitation: Visitation will be Friday from 4 to 8:00 p.m. at Bethany Reformed Church in Canton, with family present from 6 to 8:00 p.m.
Service: Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31 at Bethany Reformed Church in Canton.
Frances “Frannie” Gates, 91, passed away, Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at Sanford Canton-Inwood Hospital. Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31 at Bethany Reformed Church in Canton. Visitation will be Friday from 4 to 8:00 p.m. at Bethany Reformed Church in Canton, with family present from 6 to 8:00 p.m.
Frannie was born April 8, 1925 at Rowena, SD to Marinus and Gertrude (Roozenboom) Middendorp. Her family moved to Hollandale, MN in 1926, where Frannie went to grade school. Her family moved to a farm south of Inwood, IA in 1941. She married Frances Gates March 15, 1946 at Luverne, MN. They made their home in Canton where they raised four children. Her husband, Francis, died in 1999.
Frannie was a member of Bethany Reformed Church since 1959, where she helped organize and build their church in Canton. She served as a Sunday school teacher and was on the call committee. She was a member of the VFW and Legion Auxiliaries and Sons of Norway. Frannie worked at the Canton Veterinary Clinic for many years. She loved cooking, baking, and feeding her family and friends. She also enjoyed sewing, fishing, crafts, crocheting, quilting, cards, and Bingo.
Grateful for having shared her life are her children- Judy Oliver, Canton, Peggy Moore, Forest Lake, MN, Laurie Wiebe (Brett Burkel), Canton, and Jim (Laurie) Gates, Canton; 9 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; her sister, Irene (Lester) Williams, Canton; along with many nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Francis, and sisters, Cornelia Kuiper and Wilma Middendorp.
Laurie and family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your mom and she was wonderful woman from the short time I was able to know her. She will be missed by many! Thinking of you all and your journey of healing from her loss!
Alleana and family
Our deepest condolences to the Gates family on the loss of their Dearest Mother. Praying that God comforts you at this sad time.
My sympathy to your family.
I am so very sorry about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of loss. My heart goes out to all of you. I know that there is a big welcome party going on in Heaven. The good Lord has brought another wonderful angel home again. If there is any thing that you need please let me know. Thoughts and prayers that God will give you the strength to make it through this sad time in your life.
Thank you for the honour of knowing you, respecting you and being apart of your great and beuutiful family which you and Grandpa Francis natured my total love and admiration and my prayers
I am so saddened to read about Frannie leaving her earthly home. She was a dear. I would see her in Lennox playing bingo occasionally these last yrs. When growing up I saw her often in Canton. She & my mother delivered babies at Canton/Inwood Hospital at the same time with one of their kids (I think it was my brother Curt). She was always so smiley, friendly & ready to give a hug. My mother has been gone for almost 33 yrs. & I know how hard it is to lose a mother. Thinking of you. Gloria Gilbertson Rops
My heart is with you all on this sad day. Frannie was a wonderful Mom, Grandma and To me a great Aunt.
Love,
Alice
My dad was Lee Everhart. My memory of your mom took place on a hot summer day in the late 60s. I walked to your parents house because your mom was going to pierce my ears. I was so excited! She sat me in front of a big fan, cut a potato in half, placed the one half behind my ear and pierced my ear with a darning needle. I don’t remember the pain but I remember when I realized I had another ear! I do remember walking home and feeling nauseated and lightheaded but there was no way I was going to tell my dad. He had not been in favor of the idea from the get go. “If God wanted holes in your ears he would’ve put them there himself!” I’m 61 and I still have pierced ears thanks to Frannie! God Bless your mom and your good memories.
Thanks for the kind words. She did pierce many ears and so many gals have commented on this at her 90th birthday party and at the visitation and funeral. We were blessed to have her as our mom. Peace to you. Laurie Wiebe