Frances "Frannie" K. (Fregin) Von Arx

On Sunday, May 18, 2025, Frannie (at the age of 93) went to Heaven to join Francis, her husband of 62 years, her children Charles and Lucy, grandson Nathan, son-in-law Jerry Killion and a host of other family, friends, and extended family. She was born on April 11, 1932 to Theodore A. and Elizabeth M. (Taylor) Fregin in La Crosse, Wisconsin. She married Francis C. Von Arx on July 3, 1954. Together, they farmed and raised their eight children on the Von Arx Family Farm in Bush Valley, rural La Crescent, Minnesota. During her time on the farm, Mom was the quintessential Farm wife; she did everything from gardening and canning, to helping put up hay, milking cows and everything in between. She was a master seamstress and made many of her girls' dresses and quilted in later years. She could sit at the piano and play a gorgeous rendition of Clair de Lune from memory, was an alto in the St. Peter's choir and also found time to volunteer for the Altar Society, Bingo and many other committees. Frannie and Francis retired to Hokah, Minnesota in 1987, where Frannie then pivoted to dedicating her time and efforts to St. Peter’s School. Frannie worked as a cook for the school lunch program, assisted in pie baking and a myriad of other duties all geared toward supporting the church and school. During down time, or while waiting for pies to bake, there may have been some ‘Hand and Foot’ and other card games played!

Frannie taught through example that you could tackle anything if you just put your mind to it (she once reupholstered the family couch). Family and school kids alike have enjoyed innumerable delicious meals as Frannie was such a master of baking and cooking. She loved plants and maintained gorgeous flower beds and gardens. Frannie was a hard worker, but also knew how to have fun. She could entertain at the drop of a hat and enjoyed a good family sing-a-long immensely. She had such fun at parties and gatherings, loved to play games of all kinds and was even in a bowling league back in the day. Frannie was a loyal Twins fan (even when she had to coach from her chair). She cherished visits, and so enjoyed fun trips she took with her fellow cooks from St. Pete's. She always looked forward to seeing her children near and far and delighted in her grandchildren. But above all, she had a great faith and love of God. She and Francis were true partners and worked as a team in all aspects of their lives. Prayer and attending mass was vital to both Frannie and Francis. Together, they have left us all a great example of how to live a good life.

She is survived by her six remaining children and their spouses; Liz Killion (Jon Baker) of Carrollton, IL; Ted Von Arx of rural La Crescent, MN; Tom (Janice) Von Arx of San Diego, CA; Kathryn (Tim) Hying of McHenry, IL; Sarah (Dwight) Stever of Omaha, NE; and John (Amy) Von Arx of Rice Lake, WI; and sibling Susie Sanford of Northport, AL.

Frannie is Grandmother to a host of grandchildren and step-grandchildren; Klaus Von Arx, Katrina Von Arx, Greg (Stacey) Killion, Nick (Brenn) Killion, Jodie (Jeremy) Stendeback, Jeanne (Bob) Meyer, Mike (Stephanie) Killion, Lauren (Michael) Elliott, Adam (Hali) Baker, Andre (Torre) Von Arx, Alec (Irina) Von Arx, Keaton Von Arx, John ‘JT’ Von Arx, Madeline (Scott) Schimp, Evan (Becca) Hying, Monica Hying, Elizabeth Hying, Mitchell Stever, Kamryn Stever, Jacob Von Arx and Ashley Von Arx. Frannie was also a great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother many times over. Though Mom had a world of family to worry about, she still found time to provide a home cooked experience for the kids at St. Peters during her tenure there.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Francis C. Von Arx in 2017, her daughter, Lucy A. Von Arx in 2020, her son Charles F. Von Arx in 2014, grandson Nathan Stever in 2002, and son-in-law Jerry Killion in 2008.

Frannie was also preceded in death by her parents, Theodore ‘Ted’ A. Fregin and Elizabeth M. ‘Madelle’ Fregin, sisters and their spouses Liz & George Von Arx and Teddy & Willie Von Arx, and brother-in-law Richard (Susie) Sanford. She was also preceded in death by many sister and brother-in-laws and their spouses. She was the last surviving member of this generation of the Von Arx's.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00 am, Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Hokah, MN. Father John L. Evans II will officiate. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Hokah. Visitation will be held from 9-10:30 am at the church with a Rosary beginning at 10:30 am.

The family would like to thank the staff at Valley View Healthcare and Rehab for the years of excellent care and more recently the staff of St Croix Hospice. Thanks are also due to all of the friends and extended family who have visited and shared their time, prayers and well wishes with Frannie. Your kindness and friendship has been much appreciated! Memorials in lieu of flowers are suggested to St. Peter’s School.