Kathryn Frandson

1947 - 2017

Kathryn A. Frandson, 70

Paynesville

March 3, 1947 - May 20, 2017

Kathryn A. Frandson, 70 of Paynesville, died Saturday, May 20, 2017 at the Paynesville Area Hospital.  Mass of Christian Burial will be today at 11:00 a.m. at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville.  Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery in Kelliher. Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville.  www.hafh.org  

Kathryn Ann Mullan was born to the late Francis and Elrene Mullan on March 3, 1947. She graduated from Elbow Lake High School, earned her Bachelor's degree in English from Bemidji State University, and later went on to earn her Master's degree in English from St. Cloud State.

Great teachers are great awakeners, and teaching English to junior high students at Rocori, Kathryn awakened in many, not just an appreciation for literature, but she led students to see the value in themselves, and what was worth celebrating of their own character, ever encouraging and ever supporting them. In this way, Henry Adams believed that a teacher affects eternity and you can never tell where their influence stops. She would employ that same compassion and affection for people later in life while working with customers at the drugstore she owned with her husband, John.

What brought Kathryn immense joy was spending time with friends and family. Whether at the farm, at the cabin, or around the kitchen island, you'd find her quick to smile and laugh. Those who spent time in her company undoubtedly enjoyed how easy she was to talk to and to tease, though she had no trouble serving the sass right back or serving up the most comforting meal you've ever had (often in thanks to Paula Dean-sized amounts of butter or heavy whipping cream - which infamously led to her creation of signature Peach creme). Inspiring of her character, was the way she never let her paralysis of 37 years, keep her from doing the things she loved, whether that be spending time on the golf course with Mary and John, playing with the kids, or hours in her garden making Mary do the heavy weeding. She had a weakness for Dooneys, cashmere sweater sets, and Knowing perfume. Her nieces and nephews remember fondly, sitting on her lap, getting free rides in the wheelchair, much like her Bombay cat Penny would enjoy as she'd balance her body on the back headrest. A woman of diversified tastes, you could walk into the house and be met with the TV blaring either an old black and white on TMC, Keeping up with the Kardashians, or Fox News. Later in her life it became routine for her to wake up and celebrate the mass on EWTN, and find some time throughout the day to pray the rosary and take comfort and delight in listening to Mother Angelica who once said, "Sometimes my worst day - one filled with pain and suffering - in the eyes of God, is my best day if I've born it cheerfully and I've borne it with love." While she will be deeply missed, those who knew her will always be inspired by and able to celebrate her life as a living testimony to Mother's message of great hope, resilience and love.  Kathryn will long be remembered for her strength and unwavering faith.

Kathryn is survived by daughter, Mary Elizabeth Elrene (Megan McTeague) of St. Paul; brothers and sisters-in-law; Bob and Barb Mullan of Bagley, Mike and Wanna Mullan of Coalinga CA; sister, Mary (Jim) Lundin of Kelliher, MN, brother-in-law, Jim Frandson of Fargo, ND; nieces and nephews: Kara (Trevor) Schneeberger, Justin (Christine) Lundin, Kelly Mullan (Tyler Scouton), Erin (Josh) Lowe, Luke (Ashley) Lundin, Mark (Sam) Lundin, Curt (Aliza) Lundin, Marisa (Matt) Hemstad, Patrick Mullan, Tim (Alissa) Mullan, Jeremy (Marni) Frandson, JJ (Sara) Frandson, Mike (Malinda) Frandson, and her many beloved great nieces and great nephews.