Service Details
In accordance with Fran’s wishes, a private family service will take place at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
Racine – Frances E. Nielsen (Nee: Smith), age 87, born on February 16, 1934 to Lee and Letha Smith in Racine, WI and left this world for a better place on June 22, 2021 surrounded by her family. Fran married Donald C. Nielsen and they raised their children in the Racine area. She worked at numerous places throughout her life, including Eddie’s Grill on the Avenue, St. Mary’s Hospital, Racine Medical Clinic, Philadelphia Life, and the A-Center. She loved being around family and friends. Her table was always filled with lots of laughs and conversation while drinking coffee and dunking cookies. Casinos or Las Vegas were always a treat for her in her younger days.
Surviving her are her children: David (Carol) Nielsen, Lynn (Ted) Bodnar, Audrey Nielsen, Bonnie (Kevin) Stewart, Chris (Denise) Nielsen, Karen Nielsen and Dana (Steve) Lewis; grandchildren: Aaron, Megan, Sherria, Dustin, Adam, Michael, Heather, Erica, Ashley, Paige, Dylan, Olivia and Elle (Frannie). She is also survived by 24 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren, and one more on the way, and her long-time friend of 74 years, Donna Wagner. Along with her parents, Fran is preceded in death by her husband, Donald Nielsen; son, Randy Nielsen; grandsons, David Nielsen Jr. and Ryan Dibble; in-laws, Christ and Anna Nielsen; step-mother, Margaret Smith; brother, Wesley Smith; and sisters, Doris Peterson and Margaret Hucker.
In accordance with Fran’s wishes, a private family service will take place at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
Eva Gerardo - egerardo67@gmail.com says
This beautiful soul has gone on to be with the Lord.
She is the mother of my old friend Lynn Bodnar.
Fran and I spent birthday celebrations, dinners, Christmas and other holidays and even dr visits together… and I will never EVER forget the kindness she extended to me and how she welcomed me…I will never forget her hugs or her strong political opinions. I will always keep our secrets grandma. You were very very special to me.
With deepest sympathies and all my love to Lynn and family.
JUDY Hughes says
One wonderful person I will miss her dearly
Tim McCray says
My heart goes out to all of you, She will be deeply missed. I still remember all the times I would come over and drink coffee with her and sit at the kitchen table and talk. She was a wonderful woman and I will deeply miss her. Her biscuits and gravy as well as her potato salad were the best. Rest in peace Grandma. We love you.
Deidre Enriquez says
Blessings to a remarkable lady.
Heaven surely obtained an angel.
All my love
Bonnie says
Rest In Peace Mom, your family in Montana will miss you so much.
Sharrie jensen says
I will miss her. I have so many great memories with visiting her. Lots of laughs. She was one of a kind.
Earl Hucker says
Fran, u were a good soul. May our Heavenly Father grant u His love and peace. Sister Margie last word was “Fran”. She always loved u. May u be together.
Debby Klinkhammer says
We are so sorry for your loss. Please know that we are thinking of you and are here if you need anything. Sending love and hugs♥️ Rick and Debby Klinkhammer
Jan Samay says
My beautiful Aunt Fran… I have always enjoyed talking to you, Being not only your niece but your friend. Your sense of humor and fun personality made you tons of fun to be around. I have So many memories of you and our family that I will have for the rest of my days. Richard, my husband, loved spending time with you. He will never forget getting to you to start a round of row, row your boat at the italian restaurant, there in Racine. My memories of spending summers with you and Uncle Donnie in Racine while a teenager are some of the best times of my life. Our family is blessed to have gained another angel to watch over us. I know you are in heaven having a cup of coffee with those who have passed on before us. Love you so much. Jan and Richard Samay St. Petersburg, Fl.
Donna Wagner says
Dear All – I’m so very sorry for your loss. We were all blessed to have her in our lives. I am going to deeply miss my best friend of 74 years. Not a week went by that we didn’t see each other or talk on the phone. I will always want to pick up the phone and give her a call. Love, Donna
Dan says
We will miss visiting you. You always make me laugh. February was our month. You will be remembered. .
Judie Gillihan says
God bless you and now you are free of your pain. Always had good laughs when I saw you. God bless you and reunite you with your family and love ones
Judith Gillihan says
God bless you and now you are free of your pain. Always had good laughs when I saw you. God bless you and reunite you with your family and love ones
Pamela Wiedenhaft says
With deepest sympathy, we are sorry for all of your loss. Fran will be missed greatly and our family had great memories of her with our mom & dad. You are all in our prayers.
Love Cathy, Deb and Pam Wiedenhaft
Cheryl Steidl says
Myself and my family loved Fran with all of our hearts! She is with my mother, Marjorie Johnson, in heaven. Fran was so easy to talk to and had such a great sense of humor! I loved her like she was my mother! I love and miss her dearly and I love all of her family!