Frances Falkenhagen

Celebration of life service for Frances Falkenhagen, 85, of Dickinson, formerly of Fairview, MT will be 11 am MT Saturday, September 27, 2025 at Zion Lutheran Church, Fairview, MT.

Burial will follow at the Fairview Cemetery.

Frances passed away on September 8, 2025 at St. Benedicts Health Center.

Frances Darlene Falkenhagen, a lifelong go-getter who thrived on taking care of others, passed away at the age of 85 in Dickinson, ND (formerly of Fairview, MT). She was born on October 29, 1939, in Watford City, to parents Kenneth and Ella (Hagen) Thomas.

Frances's life was a testament to hard work and dedication. Raised on a farm northeast of Watford City, Frances was the eldest of six girls and treasured the close bond she shared with her sisters. She often reminisced about their teenage years, when they would head out to barn dances across the county.

In 1957, she married Eldin Johnson and moved to East Fairview, where she became an essential part of farm life-never afraid of hard work and even driving the beet truck during harvest. Together, they had four children: Myron, Patti, Kirk, and Scott. In 1972, she married Larry Falkenhagen, and together they welcomed their daughter, Kim.

She led a life full of ventures and service, working in many roles, including managing the Snack Shack, working at the Cottonwood, and opening her own second-hand store, "New to You." While her professional life was diverse, her true passion was nurturing others. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she made sure her home was always a place of comfort and love. To all who knew her, she was simply 'Granny Franny,' greeting everyone with warmth and an open heart.

In her free time, Frances had a variety of hobbies that brought her joy. She loved playing cards, especially pinochle, browsing garage sales, and trying her luck at the casino and bingo. She spent many hours fishing, always content to cast from the shore and to keep dry land beneath her feet. Her affection for animals was also well known; through the years, she cared for dogs, cats, miniature horses, rabbits, chickens, and pigs.

Frances is survived by her loving children: Patti (Cal) Faiman, Kirk (Anita ) Johnson, Scott Johnson, and Kim Falkenhagen (John Wentz). She is also survived by her sister, Jackie (Kevin) Sullivan. Her legacy continues through her nine grandchildren-Brandon, Cory, Nicole, Tara, Trista, Cassey, Kassidy, Sheena, and Shaydin-and her 15 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Ella Thomas, her son, Myron Johnson, and her sisters, Loretta Thompson, Jeannie Thorgramson, Teta Shannon, and Joani Sivertson.

Frances will be remembered for her steady commitment to her family and her giving spirit, always putting the needs of others before her own.