Jeffers, Frances Marian (Womeldorf) Solheim 1924 - 2019

JEFFERS, WOMELDORF, JOSVANGER, SOLHEIM, HARDING, HUNT, SANDERS

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 7/12/2019 at 19:21:06

Frances M. Jeffers, age 95, of Decorah, IA, passed away Friday, June 28, 2019 at Mayo Clinic Hospital, Saint Marys Campus in Rochester, MN.

Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at Decorah Lutheran Church with Rev. Allen Vik and Rev. James Glesne officiating. Private Family Inurnment will be in Lutheran Cemetery in Decorah.

Visitation begins on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, one half hour before the service, at Decorah Lutheran Church.

Frances Marian Womeldorf was born January 6, 1924, in Decorah IA, daughter of Fred and Frieda (Josvanger) Womeldorf, who were descendants of Iowa pioneers. She attended school in Decorah, graduating from the local High School. She married C. Melvin Solheim, a policeman, on January 17, 1943. They had three children, Marian Elizabeth (d. 2005), Margit Elaine, and Charles Melvin. She attended St. Olaf and Luther College, graduated in 1961, and became a teacher. Initially she taught at a local country school on a 2-year credential, then once she received her degree, she began teaching in the local school system. In 1961, the family moved to Kellogg, Idaho, where she continued to teach 5th grade. In 1963 they moved to Parkland, WA.

She divorced Mel in 1971. In 1974, Frances moved to Washington, DC, where she worked for Washington State Congressman, Floyd Hicks, for one year before returning home. She met Stanley Jeffers while working with the Washington Education System, and married March 29,1975 in Riverton Heights, WA. She then pursued a graduate degree, at Pacific Lutheran University.

After they married, she quit teaching, and together they pursued activities such as genealogy, infant foster care, gardening, and travel. She was an avid quilter, gardener, and rug hooker. In 1991, Frances and Stan moved back to Decorah, IA. Frances was very active in her community church and served with several organizations including the Decorah Travel Club, Minowa Rug Hooker Guild, and Iowa Retired School Personnel Association.

Due to their passion for history and genealogy, she and Stan founded the Decorah Genealogy Association, where she was the Editor of the ‘Decorah Area Diggers’ newsletter.

She was known for her love for her husband and family, her quick wit and intelligence, love of the arts and nature.

They moved into the Aase Haugen Home three years ago.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter Marian Harding; and two granddaughters, Serenity Harding and Rachel Hunt.

Frances is survived by her husband Stanley Jeffers of Decorah; one daughter Margit Hunt of Charlotte, NC; one son, Charles (Linda) Solheim of Shelton, WA; four grandchildren: Jessika Hunt of California, Carl Harding, James Harding and Anthony Harding of Washington; three great-grandchildren: Austin, Elizabeth and Ezrah; and one sister, Kathryn (Bud) Sanders of Coeur d'Alene, ID.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Decorah Genealogy Association, 808 River Street, Decorah, IA 52101.

Source: Fjelstul Funeral Home database

Lutheran Decorah Cemetery
 

Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Bruce Kuennen.
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