Frances "Fran" Conraads

Frances "Fran" Conraads, 96, of Milbank, SD, passed away on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at St. William's Care Center in Milbank.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Big Stone Tabor Church in Big Stone City, SD. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Big Stone Tabor Church and will close with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service on Friday. Pastor Sandra Marquardt will officiate. Burial will follow the service at Mound Cemetery in Ortonville, MN.

The service will be live streamed, recorded, and viewable below this obituary.

Frances Hattie (Schellberg) Conraads was born on November 24, 1929, in Ortonville, MN, to William and Mary (Hamann) Schellberg. She grew up in the Ortonville area and graduated from Ortonville High School in 1947.

Fran was united in marriage with Harvey Conraads on October 17, 1953, in Big Stone City, SD, and were the first couple to be married in the Big Stone Methodist Church. Together they built a beautiful life on their farm outside of Big Stone City and were blessed with five children. Their home was one of hard work, lively laughter, and cherished traditions — including family memories of butchering chickens together, evenings spent playing cards with family and neighbors, or going dancing. Harvey passed away in November of 1984. They were blessed with 31 years of marriage. In 1993, Fran moved into Milbank. Her granddaughter, Rachael, became her roommate in August of 2019, sharing many special years together. In February of 2024, Fran moved to St. William’s Care Center. Her great-grandchildren loved to visit, play cards, share their artwork, and get a treat off the treat cart.

Fran had a gift for bringing people together. She loved hosting weekly card clubs in her home, where friends gathered around the table to play 500, Rook, Canasta, Pinochle, Finagle, Garbage, Golf, and other favorite games. She knew her way around a deck of cards and was especially known for somehow always getting the jokers. Playing cards with her grandchildren was one of her greatest joys — and Justin and Rachael could often be found arguing over who got to sit next to Grandma at the table.

Her faith was an important part of her life. Fran was a devoted member of Big Stone Tabor Methodist Church, where she served as treasurer of the United Women, was a longtime trustee, and taught Sunday School. She faithfully attended Monday Bible study and valued the fellowship and friendships it brought. Fran was also a proud member of the Red Hatters, enjoying the fun, laughter, and camaraderie the group shared.

Fran’s hands were rarely still. She attended a weekly sewing group, where she was often the one carefully piecing the strips together for rag rugs. She was well known for her beautiful quilts and lovingly made quilts for all of her children and grandchildren. A gifted seamstress, Fran enjoyed making dresses for herself, daughters, and granddaughters. She enjoyed making table runners and potholders and was always ready to help Rachael and Jordan with their 4-H sewing projects. She could fix a ripped pair of jeans at a moment’s notice and did so more than a time or two over the years for her grandsons and community members.

In the kitchen, Fran was a wonderful cook and baker, known especially for her homemade rolls, peach pie, bread, fried chicken, green bean casserole, and German chocolate cake. She canned and preserved an abundance of food while living on the farm, making sure no one ever left her table hungry. She has passed this love of baking and canning on to her children.

Fran always enjoyed the yearly canning days when four generations gathered to make pickles, peaches, tomatoes, sweet corn, and whatever else everyone brought.

Fran also loved to travel and see new places. Her favorite destination was Iowa, and she was often the one behind the wheel. In fact, she was known as the family driver — and the well-worn heel hole in the car’s floor was proof of her many miles on the road. One of her favorite travels was bus tours with Bonnie.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Cindy (AJ) Bierman of Mitchell, SD; Bonnie Conraads of Aberdeen, SD; Randy Conraads of Aberdeen, SD; Holli Kellen of Clinton, MN; and Lisa Conraads of Milbank, SD; grandchildren: Blake Bierman, Sharnel Bierman, Tasha (Drew) Krohmer, Vincent (Katie) Kellen, Neil (Lauren Gray) Kellen, Justin (Amanda Cummins) Kellen, Rachael Kellen, and Jordan Kellen; 14 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents: William and Mary; her husband, Harvey; sisters: Ruth (Vernon) Loeschke and Mildred (James) Loeschke; brothers: Rueben (Carla) Schellberg and infant brother, Donald Schellberg; and grandson, Adam Kellen.

Fran will be remembered for her generous heart, her strong faith, her love of family, her steady hands, and the countless games, seams, miles, and meals that stitched her life into the hearts of others.

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