Frances Ann (La Grange) BLACKMAN

BLACKMAN, LA GRANGE, TOOMER, HALVERSON, SCHLEISS, LAURICH, PELKEY

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 5/17/2014 at 14:12:02

September 15, 1915 --- April 13, 2014

Frances Ann Blackman of Longville, Minn. died April 13, in San Antonio, Texas. She was the great granddaughter of Francis W. La Grange, a civil war veteran and the daughter of Frank F. and Dora S. (Toomer) La Grange; born September 15, 1915 in Early.

Frances was educated in Education at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake. She met Bernard W. Blackman, a teacher and coach at their first teaching jobs in Ware, and were married May 30, 1941 at the Nemaha, Methodist Church. During 1942-1946 Bernard prepared and served with General Eisenhower in the 89th Division, 3rd Army in France and Germany, WWII. Frances lived with W.O. and Almeda Blackman (her in-laws) in Eagle Grove, and taught school at Lela Howland Elementary School during the war. After the war, Mark Francis, Paul David and Linda Lou completed the family. Mark is a retired school teacher/counselor and resides in Lansing. Paul is a Medical Technician who works at Children's Hospital in Minneapolis, Minn. and is married to Diane (1972), a teacher's aide in Andover, Minn. They have 3 daughters and 7 grandchildren. Linda is an Army Nurse stationed at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas.

Frances is preceded in death by her parents and her husband (2004). Frances is survived by her dear sister Iris K. Halverson of Alta. She is also survived by her children and daughter-in-law, three granddaughters and their families (Stephanie and David Schleiss with Samuel Victor, and Christopher Paul; Lindsay and Chad Laurich with Peter Chad, Ethan Bernard, Lucas Gary; and Katie and John Pelkey with Noelle Louise, Reese Frances), and other nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Frances dedicated her life to family, friends, the church, choir, teaching, and the Order of Eastern Star (64 year member). A memorial service will be at the Longville Community Church in Longville, Minn. on May 24, Pastor Duane Brown, officiating. Private Interment at a later date.

May 15, 2014
Storm Lake Pilot Tribune - Storm Lake, Iowa