The oldest of four children, Frances Marie (Meeker) Morgan, was born to Virgil and Maxine (Bentley) Meeker at home on January 14, 1938, in Onawa. She was baptized into the Lutheran faith at the age of eight. Frances attended Onawa Public Schools.
On March 4, 1954, Frances and James R. Morgan were united in marriage. To this union six children were born. Following James’ discharge from the US Navy in 1957, they returned to western Iowa, and made their home in Denison, Arion, and finally in 1968, on a farm south of Kiron, four of her nephews joined the family as foster children in 1976.
While raising her family, Frances grew a very large vegetable garden every summer. She worked the garden with a passion. The whole family pitched in with the canning, freezing, and preserving that followed. The real goodies came later, as she perfected the art of pie making, (especially apple pies) for her family and friends. She was also an accomplished candy maker, and her treats were enjoyed by all during Christmas. Frances was a lifetime Cardinal baseball fan, following in her father’s shoes. She appreciated all wildlife, including feeding birds, and enticing squirrels with cookies. Other pastimes she enjoyed, were playing canasta with friends, listening to polka and country music, and watching musical movies on television. Fran’s real joy in life though was being with her grandchildren, then great grandchildren.
Frances passed away Tuesday, October 25, 2022, at Odebolt Specialty Care, attaining the age 84.
Left to cherish her memory are 15 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and 3 great - great grandchildren. Fran and Jim had three daughters; Brenda (Merlin) Miller of Deloit, Monica Walley of Kiron, and Denise (Daniel) Miller of Apple Valley, MN. They also had three sons; Jerold Morgan (special friend Linda) of Denison, Dennis Morgan (fiancé Ginger) of Kiron, and Neil Morgan (Kyong) of Orange City, TX. Other surviving family members are a sister Betty Welty of Davenport, IA; seven nephews; Chuck, Tim, Mike, and Scott Martin, Kristopher Spalding, and Monty and Shawn Swain; and two nieces; Kelly Moore and Ginger Eidson.
Preceding Frances in death, along with her parents, were her husband James, granddaughter Rachel Neddermeyer, daughter-in-law Shirley Morgan, baby brother Ernest Meeker in 1942, and a sister, Dorothy Swain.
A 10 a.m. funeral service was officiated by Rev. Mark Kluzek, on Saturday, October 29, at Faith Lutheran Church in Deloit. Kelly Moore, Kristopher Spalding, and Ginger Eidson were honorary casket bearers. Chuck Martin, Tim Martin, Mike Martin, Scott Martin, Monty Swain, and Shawn Swain served as casket bearers. Interment was held at St. John’s Cemetery in Kiron.
Pauley Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements
