Frances F. Thompson was born on February 11, 1934, in Elkhorn, Nebraska, to Lester and Irene (Warren) Thompson. She was raised in Elkhorn and graduated from Elkhorn High School in 1951. Frances married Melvin G. Steinert on August 15, 1953, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Elkhorn. Together they farmed near Bennington until moving to Fremont in 1967.
Frances worked at National Indemnity Insurance Company in Omaha. After moving to Fremont, she worked at JoDee's Arts and Crafts and, later, at Schweser's Downtown and Glad Rags. She was a member of Salem Lutheran Church in Fremont, where she was active in several clubs and committees, including the Couples Club/ACT, Sarah Circle with WELCA, sew-in, and property and kitchen renovation team. She served as the chairperson of funeral lunches for many years.
She was a founding member of the Elkhorn Alumni Association, which started in 1958. She started the annual Alumni Banquet and currently served on the alumni committee. Frances was a member of Extension Club in Fremont. She was also past president of the Prairie Piecemakers Quilter's Guild and volunteered for many years with Low Income Ministry.
Frances was a very talented seamstress and made many amazing arts and crafts. She will always be remembered for her beautiful quilts, wall-hangings, card-making, jewelry, and handiwork. Frances and her friend Twila Sass showcased Christmas crafts at their annual holiday bazaar. She built community with her neighbors when she started the neighborhood coffees and block parties, where she was well known for her desserts (and bars!). Family and friends find comfort in knowing that she and Melvin are dancing together again at last.
She is survived by her two daughters, Julianna (Nate) Lintzman, of Omaha; Lisa Jo (Barry) Bennett of Merced, CA; Three grandchildren: Aaron Lintzman of Omaha, Ryan (Lauren) Bennett, of Oceanside, CA, and Katelyn (fiancé Johan Henkens) Bennett of Springfield, OR; Two great-grandchildren, Cooper and Sutton Bennett, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Fran was preceded in death by her parents, by her husband Melvin in March of 2005, and by her brothers Warren and Wayne Thompson, and sister Bonnie Richards.
Services will be held on July 8 at 11:00 am at Salem Lutheran Church in Fremont with the Rev. Shari Schwedhelm officiating. Visitation will be from 3:00 - 7:00 pm with family receiving guests from 5:00 - 7:00 pm on July 7 at Ludvigsen Mortuary in Fremont. Private family burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Omaha. In lieu of flowers, the family recommends memorials to Salem Lutheran Church, Salem's Table Food Distribution, or the Alzheimer's Association.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(7)
Gary McArdle
Gretna, NE Friday, July 8, 2022 My condolences on the passing of Frannie. Frannie and Mel were really great to me as I was growing up. I was their ring bearer. I haven't seen them in years. They were good friends with my parents, Donald and Helma McArdle. Even though this was a sad time when I saw Frannie's picture on the obituary page, I recognized her before even looking at the name. I remember her mom, Irene, babysitting my sister, Devera, and I. There wedding seemed like yesterday.Colleen Osterloh
Fremont, NE Friday, July 8, 2022 Lisa and Julie, sorry to hear about you Mom, I was a lucky girl to have worked with her at Gladrags, she was so pleasant to be around, and our little chats when I saw her in church. She was an amazing crafter also. She will be missed by many. Cherish her precious memories. ♥️Colleen Osterloh
Jill Norenberg
Fremont, NE Tuesday, July 5, 2022 Fran was such a talented and generous person. Many, many years she organized and stored items for our Prairie Piecemaker's garage sale. She was really fun to be around. I am so sorry for your loss.Joann Vorrath
Elkhorn, NE Monday, July 4, 2022 Julie, Lisa and families,My sincere loss in the death of your Mom - my friend for about 70 years. I have so many delightful memories of her and will miss our chats but know she is with your Dad and at peace with God. Thinking of you.
Eileen Thornburg
Fremont, NE Saturday, July 2, 2022 Dear family of Fran,I so remember attending the boutiques & visiting with Fran & Twila. What talented ladies. They were devoted to family & faith. I am so sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Eileen Thornburg
David Sick
Smithville, MO Wednesday, June 29, 2022 I'm so sorry for your loss. My mother, Alberta Sick, was good friends with Fran and deeply misses her.Rachel Jensen
Fremont, NE Monday, June 27, 2022 Fran was a great friend, we had lots of good visits, I'll always remember her as a crafty lady ready to help any one with a craft. She also was a great sharer. Enjoyed our time together in our Extension Club too. May God bring you comfort and peace, as you celebrate her life, and many wonderful memories. Rachel Jensen