Francella “Fran” Schmitz, 81, of Kimball died Saturday, August 10, 2024, at home knowing she was deeply loved. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Friday, August 16, 2024, at St. Anne Catholic Church, Kimball, with Fr. Donald Wagner as Celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Anne Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4 – 7 p.m. on Thursday and 10 11 a.m. on Friday, both at the Church of St. Anne. A rosary will be said for Fran at 7 p.m. on Thursday at the church. Francella Lillian Rudolph was born on July 10, 1943, in St. Cloud to Steven and Gertrude (Weitzel) Rudolph.
Fran grew up in St. Cloud and was a 1961 graduate of Cathedral High School. On October 2, 1965, Fran was united in marriage to Anthony Schmitz at St. Augustine Catholic Church in St. Cloud. She and Tony made their home in rural Kimball, along with their children. In addition to making their house a home, Fran also worked at Precision Components, later known as Tech Etch in Litchfield as an inspector. Fran found joy in sharing her passion for sewing, watching the Minnesota Twins, and giving big hugs. Her green thumb was evident in her beautiful garden, a reflection of her nurturing spirit. Whether socializing with loved ones or exploring the world through her travels to places such as Europe, Jamaica, Japan, and many U.S. states, Fran embraced life with a quiet, yet strong will.
Her love for the lake, camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities brought her immense joy, especially at the farm she adored. Despite being born in the city, Fran seamlessly transitioned to a life filled with nature, embracing country living with grace. Her Catholic faith was a cornerstone of life and strength. Fran’s unwavering love and dedication to her family shone brightly throughout her life’s journey. She leaves behind a legacy of love and strength to her beloved husband of 58 years, Anthony of Kimball; her children, Bruce (Samantha) of Watkins, Paul (Brenda) of Lavergne, Tenn., Sue (Matt) Cron of Darwin, and Lillian Lilly of Rockford; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; siblings, Charlotte Gromberg, Sister Susan Rudolph, O.S.B., Al (Ruth) Rudolph, Joanie (Jack) Kain, Francis “Frank” (Laura) Rudolph, Bill (Madeline) Rudolph, and Steve Payne; sister-in-law, Jan Rudolph; and other family members, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Fran was preceded in death by her parents, Steve Rudolph and Gertrude Adams; brothers and sisters, Juliana Burke, Bebe Huberty, Fred Rudolph, and Rose Dickenson. The casket bearers will be Bruce and Hunter Schmitz, Jessica, Dakota, Anthony and Matt Cron, Andrew and Angela Lilly. Brenda and Samantha Schmitz and Elizabeth Niece will serve as the gift bearers. Ashley Ivey will be the reader. The eulogy will be provided by Paul Schmitz. The music will be provided by Shannon Fritz, Nicollet Schmitz, Josephine Schmitz and Julene Faber-Andrusick. Arrangements are entrusted with Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Kimball. Obituary, guestbook, video tribute and funeral webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.
