Frances Fridgen

Frances “Fran” Fridgen, age 93, of Ortonville, MN, passed away on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at Fairway View Neighborhoods.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ortonville, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the Mass at the church on Thursday. Fr. Brian Oestreich will celebrate the Mass and interment will be at Mound Cemetery in Ortonville.

Frances Helen Fridgen was born on September 19, 1930, in Ortonville, MN, to Peter and Helen (Lentz) Fridgen. She grew up in the Ortonville area and graduated from Ortonville High School with the Class of 1948.

Having joined Northwestern Bell Telephone Company as an operator at a young age, Frances dedicated herself to her work and was a committed employee and retired as Traffic Coordinator Operator. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she was a lifelong member of St. John's Catholic Church, where she selflessly served in the kitchen and contributed to various church activities.

Frances's compassion extended beyond her church community as she actively supported charities like the Cancer Society, sold poppies, and volunteered for events that aimed to make a difference in the lives of others. Her dedication to community projects was exemplary, and her generosity knew no bounds.

In her leisure time, Frances found joy in playing golf, engaging in card games, and spending time with the Friday Lunch Bunch. She had a passion for travel, relishing in exploring new destinations, and found solace in feeding the birds that graced her home with their presence. Frances also enjoyed the company of her Beagle companion, Clancy.

Left to cherish Frances’s memory are her 33 nieces and nephews; and numerous great-nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents; and her siblings: Valeria (Myron) Hall, Elizabeth “Betty” (Bob) Mason, Mary Margaret (Tommy) Halter, James Robert “Bob” Fridgen, Vincent (Pat) Fridgen, Peter J. (Paula) Fridgen, and John (Rose Marie) Fridgen.