Frances Lorraine Scofield, 97 years 11 months passed away peacefully on September 18, 2024, at Guardian Angels Nursing Home.

Frances was born at home in Linden Grove Township on October 28, 1926, to Frank and Clara (Jary) Fredlund. That fall the rains had come and the water was the highest that folks remembered. The midwife, Grandma Jary, came across the swollen creeks and fields by boat, but when they arrived, Frances had already been delivered by her father.

Fran grew up in Bear River attending the local school through 8th grade, graduating from Alango High School in 1944. She was very active in the 4-H Club, winning many trips to the State Fair. She won a trip to the National 4-H Club Congress in Chicago, Illinois and spent several summers working at the 4-H camp at Lake Esquagama. This led to her serving as the 4-H leader for many years for her children and surrounding communities.

On April 8, 1945, she married Raymond Rome Scofield at the First Lutheran Church in Hibbing. In the fall of 1946, they purchased their property in Bear River where Fran lived until she was 97 years old. It was there they raised their 8 children, in a home filled with lots of love, laughter and activity. She passed on her love of baking, canning, gardening, sewing and berry picking to her children.

Fran was outgoing and loved to converse with friends, family and strangers alike. She never forgot a conversation and had an amazing memory for dates which may have led to her enthusiastically writing the Bear River News for the Cook News Herald for 20 years. She thought it important to preserve the history of the area and was the proud co-editor of the Bear River Heritage Book. The Bear River Fair was the highlight of the summer where exhibiting was important to her. She attended every fair including the most recent this past August. She was an active member of Bear River Lutheran Church and Ladies Aid.

Preceding Frances in death were her husband, Ray; infant daughter; parents; and siblings: Russell, Vivien, Myron, Joyce, Colleen, Cosma and Frank Jr.; as well as several dear brothers and sisters-in-law.

Frances is survived by her children: Carol (Nels) Mahle, Cumming, GA., Dianne (Alan) Yonk, Idaho Falls, ID., Cynthia (Mike) Petroske, Side Lake, Nancy (John) Stoneburner, Side Lake, Alan (Cherie) Scofield, St. Cloud, David (Leslie), Bear River, Christopher (Deb), International Falls and Melissa (Dan) Baumgartner, Wyoming, MN; 18 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren; In-laws, Agnes Eddy, Irene Hardy, Faye and Ralph Schmidtke, Shirley Scofield and Margaret Scofield.

Visitation will be held on Monday, September 30, 5-7 pm at Mlaker Funeral Home, Cook, MN.  A celebration of life will take place on Tuesday, October 1, 11:00 am at the Bear River Lutheran Church with visitation one hour prior to service.

Memorials are preferred to Bear Lutheran Church or the Bear River Fair Fund.