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Frances Gunkel, age 70, of Halstad, MN, died Saturday, December 18, 2021, at Halstad Living Center.

Frances Claire Gunkel, the daughter of Lloyd and Arda (Crown) Hanson, was born on March 21, 1951, in Oregon City, OR.  She grew up in Thief River Falls, MN, and Fridley, MN, where she attended school.  Fran's mother passed away when she was 19 years old. As a young woman, Frances worked at the University of Minnesota in the urology department as well as at the Ada Hospital and the local post office. On March 15, 1975 she married Donald Gunkel and they were blessed with a daughter, Beth.  Fran would jokingly say "Beware of the ides of March!" Frances continued her education, earning her bachelor's degree in Social Work from Moorhead State University 1989. She passionately worked with the People Escaping Poverty Project in Moorhead.  Later, Frances also provided therapeutic foster care for Clay County.  Frances and Beth spent most of their life living in the Norman County and several years in Moorhead, MN.  As her health declined, Frances returned to Twin Valley in the mid 2000's. In 2018, she transferred to the Halstad Living Center where she had made her home since.

Frances touched many people throughout her life and made an impact wherever she was.  She was very smart, had a great sense of humor and a sarcastic charm that made people smile.  Frances was known to "collect" things in case they were ever needed, especially old magazines and recipes which became her treasures.  She loved to read and doted on her plants. She had a green thumb and enjoyed the beauty of flowers.  Frances also loved butterflies and surrounded herself in their splendor and grace.  We take comfort knowing Frances has shed her earthly cocoon and is now fluttering among the angels.

Frances is survived by her daughter, Beth Gunkel of Borup; her granddaughter, Danica Gunkel of Ada; her foster daughter, Duckie Brandt; and two foster grandchildren, DeSeandra and Jason.  She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 30, 2021 at Winchester Lutheran Church, Borup, MN. For those who are in attendance, masks are strongly encouraged.

Please feel free to sign the guestbook, send condolences and view other opportunities which may be available to the public due to COVID-19 restrictions.