It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Frances Harriet Wilson, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who left this world peacefully on March 20, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on April 29, 1943, in Waukesha, Wisconsin, to parents Walter and Mildred Wagner, Fran was a beacon of love and warmth throughout her 82 plus years, touching the lives of everyone she encountered.

Fran grew up in Wisconsin, where she graduated from Waukesha High School in 1962. Her career spanned various roles in corporate administration, being a pharmacy technician, but it was her time as a classroom aide in an elementary school that she cherished the most. She found immense joy in nurturing young minds and making a difference in their lives.

In July of 1982, Fran married the love of her life, David Wilson. Together, they built a family and a life filled with laughter and love that spanned 44 beautiful years. Fran was predeceased by her parents, two brothers, and two sisters, but she leaves behind a legacy of love and family that endures.

She is survived by her devoted husband, David, and her loving daughter, Dee Kruse (Suzy) of Baraboo, Wisconsin. Fran also embraced her extended family with open arms, including her stepsons Jeff Wilson (Mary) of Rogers, Arkansas, and Tim Wilson (Laura) of Columbus, Ohio; stepdaughters Heidi Hernandez (Arturo) of Gladstone, Missouri, and Heather Midgette (Evan) of Oak Point, Texas.

Frances' life was enriched by her 12 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her immense joy and pride. Her grandchildren include Colton Kruse (Madi) of Wisconsin, Jacob Wilson (Shannon) of Texas, Abbygail Gonzalez (Tyler) of Arkansas, Connolly Wilson of Texas, Madi Wilson of Texas, Hanna Hernandez of Illinois, Isaac Hernandez of Missouri, Emma (Amos) Perkins of Texas, Addie (Steven) Porter of Texas, Allison Midgette of Texas, Trey Midgette of Texas, and Rebecca Midgette of Texas. She was also blessed with three great-grandsons and three great-granddaughters, who will carry forward her spirit of love and kindness.

Fran was known for her exceptional gift-giving skills, always taking the extra time to find the perfect gift for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her thoughtfulness and attention to detail were just a few of the ways she demonstrated her deep love for her family. She was an avid observer of birds and the natural world, finding peace and joy in the quiet moments spent outdoors.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated cancer treatment team at Highlands Oncology, the compassionate nurses at Mercy Hospital, and the staff at Circle of Life Hospice for their exceptional care and support during Frans' battle with cancer. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations and memorial's be made to Circle of Life Hospice (circle oflifecare.org/donate) or American Cancer Society (cancer.org/donate).

A service to celebrate Frans' life will be held later, at Palmyra cemetery in Iowa.

Fran Wilson will be remembered for her unwavering love, her gentle spirit, and her ability to make everyone feel special. Her legacy will continue to inspire and uplift those she leaves behind. She will be dearly missed but never forgotten.