Frances Ackerman

Frances Fontaine-Severson-Ackerman passed away at home on January 18, 2014. Frances Virgil Fontaine was born on June 8th, 1925, in Whitman, ND. Frances was the 5th of 17 children born to her parents, Isadore and Frieda (Kelly) Fontaine. She married C. Leonard Severson in 1946 and he preceded her in death on Sept 19th, 1965. She was a most wonderful and loyal mother to their 7 children. She married Francis Ackerman in 1979. Francis passed away in 1989. Frances was an amazing dancer of the Schottische and other old time waltzes. She loved her backyard garden at her home she lived in for 66 years and was a great homemaker. She was a lifelong fan of Sioux hockey and Twins baseball. She rarely missed watching a game. She was an even more avid follower of her children's and grandchildren's accomplishments. She was very fortunate to have our brother Jerry's dedication and help from other family members taking care of her at home for the last number of years. Frances is survived by her 7 children, Gary (Kathy) Severson Chaska, MN, Gail Severson, Plymouth, MN. Julie Anderson, Jerry Severson, Dean Severson (Debbie Beck Severson) and Bruce (Mary) Severson, all of Grand Forks and Diann Lodermeier, Brooklyn Center, MN; 12 grandchildren, Ian and Luke (Alena) Severson, Joshua (Sarah) and Philip (Michelle) Anderson, Erika (Mark) Rustad and Patrick Severson, Emily, Michael and Alex Severson, Derek, Drew and Shay Lodermeier; and great grandchild, Madilyn Anderson. Frances is survived by sisters, Hazel Gunderson, Mavis Woodard, Bonnie Roch, Joann Davis, Hope Lembke and Nancy (Allan) Slominski all of Grand Forks; brothers, Stanley Fontaine and Glenn (Marie) Fontaine of Grand Forks, and Keith (Sandra) Fontaine of Mentor, MN; Sister's-in-law, Irene Fontaine and Terry Fontaine; Also several nieces and nephews. Frances is preceded in death by son-in-law, Damon Anderson; sisters, Florence Olson, Fern Harrison and Gloria Fontaine; Brothers, Delmore, Douglas and Ginger Fontaine; One sibling who passed away at birth; Brothers-in-law, George Olson, Donald Gunderson, Dwaine Lembke, Ordean Larson, Charles Davis, and Charles Clemeston; Sistersin-law, Margaret Fontaine. The family has many thanks for Frances' nurse and CNA, Alaina and Maykin and all Red River Valley hospice staff. Family requests memorials be directed to Red River Valley Hospice. Memorial Services will be 11:00 AM Thursday, January 23, 2014 in United Lutheran Church, 324 Chestnut St., Grand Forks. Visitation will be for the hour before the service in the church. Burial will be in Memorial Park South Cemetery in the spring of 2014.