Francenia Eaton Wilson

Francenia Eaton Wilson, 91, of Rochester, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 1, 2017. Francenia was born April 1, 1926 in Emporia, KS to Orville and Nora (Brown) Eaton. She was a graduate of Auburn High School in Auburn, KS and went on to obtain her Bachelor of Arts from Washburn University. On July 14, 1946, Francenia married Norman Wilson. With Norman, she supported his graduation from the Navy-V12 program at Kansas University and his career in Engineering, moving from Kansas to: Ankeny, IA; Wappingers Falls, NY; Los Gatos, CA and finally settling in Rochester, MN. Francenia was an active member of the community volunteering in many areas: Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Salvation Army, Meals on Wheels, Christmas Shopping, Cancer Society and their Daffodil Days, AAUW, AAUW Volunteers in Education, Chapter BM PEO, Friends of the Library, Friends of Mayowood, Olmsted County History Center Board of Directors. Francenia was a member of Christ United Methodist Church for over 50 years serving as a Sunday School Teacher, Women's Circle and Trustee. She was also instrumental in setting up the Suitor Library within the Church. Her hobbies included the Rochester Garden Club and the French Hand Sewing Society. Francenia was an exceptional needle woman, making clothing, quilts, prayer shawls, among many other works. Francenia was blessed by her family and great friends. Francenia is survived by her children, Patricia Maureen Wilson of Rochester, Timothy Fitzpatrick (Pamela) Wilson of Eau Claire, WI, Kathleen Anne (John) Mazur of Flagstaff, AZ, Brian Christopher (Diana) Wilson of Austin, TX; grandchildren, Jeffrey (Tammy) Wilson, Sean Wilson, Sarah (Mike) Nothnagel, Anthony, Christopher and Elena Wilson; great-granddaughter, Emilee; sister, Evangeline Englert of La Mesa, CA and brother, Perry (Cathy) Eaton of West Bend, WI. Francenia was preceded in death by her loving husband, Norman Douglass Wilson and sons, Michael Douglass Wilson and Kevin Eaton Wilson. A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 18, 2017 at Christ United Methodist Church, 400 5th Ave. SW, Rochester. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. The Rev. Nancy Wheeler Handlon will be officiating with interment at Oakwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Francenia E. Wilson Memorial Book Fund at the Rochester Public Library. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN 55901 www.ranfranzandvinefh.com