Van Langen, Frances (1911-2016)

VAN LANGEN, COOK, HANISCH, LOVE, COFFEE

Posted By: Colleen J Ossman (email)
Date: 2/9/2017 at 14:00:41

Webster City Freeman Journal
Dec 22, 2016

Frances Van Langen of Kamrar, passed away on Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at Crestview Nursing and Rehabilitation. She was 105 years old.

Frances Cook, daughter of Maria (Hanisch) and Dick Cook was born on September 17, 1911 in Kamrar, Iowa. She attended school in Kamrar and was a basketball aficionado in high school as well as throughout her life. She married Red Van Langen on January 11, 1933. They continued to reside in Kamrar.

From 1952 – 1969, Frances worked for the Kamrar Cooperative Telephone Exchange, serving as the telephone operator for the town and surrounding community. Frances was available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. A turn on the crank on your (vintage) phone would result in Frances answering and connecting you to the party you wanted to talk to. Arvid Huisman, author of the book Country Roads, fondly recalls the special services Frances provided; “Kamrar’s telephone system was administered by an amazing woman names Frances Van Langen. Frances was the central switchboard operator and the switchboard was located in her home. Because of her location on Kamrar’s main street, she had her finger on the pulse of our small community.” The Kamrar switchboard used by Frances is on display at the Depot Museum in Webster City, Iowa.

Frances is survived by four children; Berkley (Naomi) Van Langen of Humble, TX, Dean (LuAnn) Van Langen of Stratford, IA, Rita (Neal) Love of Sacramento, CA and Nancy (Sam) Coffee of El Dorado Hills, CA; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, one sister and her husband Red, who died December of 1976.

Our Mom faced many challenges and adverse conditions during her long life. She was a strong, determined woman with a quick wit and engaging personality. Her smile could light up a room and her laughter was contagious. Mom, we will greatly miss you and cherish you in our hearts forevermore. Rest in peace now.

A Celebration of Frances’ life took place while she was still with us. No formal services will be held. In lieu of flowers or cards, memorial donations may be made in Frances’ name to the Kamrar Methodist Church in Kamrar, IA.