Frances "Frannie" K. (Fregin) Von Arx

On Sunday, May 18, 2025, at the age of 93, Frances went to Heaven to join her husband of 62 years, Francis C. Von Arx, her son Charles, daughter 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. Frannie and Francis 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 Mom; she did everything, from being a fine pianist to helping put up hay or milk cows, for her family and the Farm. Frannie and Francis retired to Hokah, MN, in 1987, but pivoted to dedicating their time and efforts to St. Peter’s School in Hokah. Frannie worked as a Cook for the school and assisting in pie baking and a myriad of other duties all geared toward supporting St. Peter’s School and Church. In down times, or while waiting for pies to bake, there may have been some ‘Hand and Foot’ and other card games played! Over the years Frannie balanced home life - cooking, sewing, helping Francis with farming, and Choir, baking and working at Bingo and serving in many diverse roles in her unique way.

She is survived by her six remaining children and their spouses; Liz Killion (Jon Baker) of Carrollton, IL; Ted Von Arx of 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. She is also survived by her Sister 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, Monica Hying, Evan (Becca) Hying, Elizabeth Hying, Mitchell Stever, Kamryn Stever, Jacob Von Arx and Ashley Von Arx. Frannie was also a great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother to numerous children. 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. She was also preceded in death by many sister and brother-in-laws and their spouses.

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 Care 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. Memorials in lieu of flowers are suggested to St. Peter’s School.