Frances Herzog

Frances "Fran" Herzog was born on August 21, 1921, in Urbank, Minnesota the daughter of John and Katherine (Terfehr) Thoennes. She was baptized and confirmed at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Urbank. Fran was united in marriage to Francis Herzog on November 21, 1940. The couple farmed by Garfield right after their marriage and then moved into Alexandria where they worked for Alex Hardware and then at Wedums Supply. To this union five children were born: Francis Jr., Arlene, Phyllis, Lou Ann, Mary Ann. Francis died on December 6, 1982. Fran married Ambrose Gaffaney on October 14, 1988 at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Fran loved spending time with her family. She loved having coffee and cookies. Fran was very active in her community volunteering as a Gray Lady, at Knute Nelson Home and the Senior Center. She was a member of the Christian Mothers and D of I. Frances enjoyed playing BINGO, cards, pull tabs and going to the casino. Fran will be remembered as having a very spunky personality; she just loved having a good time. Fran was very musically gifted. She had the ability of just hearing a song and then being able to play it. Frances was also a great polka dancer and a member of the Jolly Jokers Kitchen Band. Frances died peacefully on Wednesday, October 10, 2012. She is survived by her children: Francis Jr. & wife, Carol of Phoenix, AZ, Arlene Oelrich of Alexandria, Phyllis Boesl (Tim) of Miltona, LouAnn Carlson of Alexandria, Mary Ann Zastrow (Richard) of Alexandria; nineteen grandchildren, fifty two great grandchildren, four great great grandchildren, brother, Joseph Thoennes of Alexandria, sister, Laura Cichy of Henning, MN; two sister-in- laws: Arlene Thoennes & Marcella Thoennes; step children: George Gaffaney, Kathy Strunc, David Gaffaney, Greg Gaffaney, Mary Beth Jubert, Lyn McMurray & families. She was preceded in death by her husbands: Francis Herzog & Ambrose Gaffaney; son-in-law: Dale Carlson; brothers: Gerhard, Lawrence, Ben, Victor, & Richard; sisters: Margaret, Eva, Barbara & Veronica. Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, October 16, 2012, 1:00 PM at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alexandria with Father Steve Binsfeld officiating. Pallbearers were George Gaffaney, Shawn Herzog, Dawn Schultz, Jeff Boesl, Chad Carlson, Kristy Larson. Honorary Pallbearers were her grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. Burial was at St. Mary's Cemetery. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home. www.andersonfuneral.net