Francis Albert "Fran" VanRinsum

Francis Albert "Fran" Van Rinsum, 96

Francis Albert "Fran" Van Rinsum, 96, of Somers, Montana, passed away peacefully on October

12, 2025. Born on June 12, 1929, Fran spent his entire life in the Somers community he loved

and served so faithfully.

Fran is survived by his devoted wife of 71 years, Geneva; his daughter Lori (Troy) Henson;

daughter in law Rachel Van Rinsum; grandchildren Nikolas (Myra) Van Rinsum, Madison

Henson, Angela (James) Dome, Christopher (Casey) Henson, and Anna (Andrew) Vito; and

great-grandchildren Alex and Max Van Rinsum, CoralRae and Koi Dome, Kale and Tanley Vito,

and Charlie Henson, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Garret and Violet Van Rinsum, brother Eddie Unwin,

sister Beverly Managhan, and son Larry Van Rinsum.

A lifelong farmer, Fran was deeply rooted in hard work, family, and community. He proudly

served as a bus driver for 58 years, safely transporting generations of Flathead Valley students.

He was named Montana bus driver of the year in 2000. His dedication to public service

extended to the Somers Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as Fire Chief for 25 years

and continued to support the department in various roles for a total of more than 35 years. He

was also a member of Eidsvold Lutheran Church for 71 years.

Fran will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to his family, his quiet strength, and

his steadfast service to the community he cherished.

Services will be held Saturday October 18, 2025 at Eidsvold Lutheran Church in Somers at

1pm. There will be a reception immediately following at Somers Fire Hall. In lieu of flowers,

donations may be made in his memory to Eidsvold Lutheran Church, Somers Volunteer Fire

Department or the Flathead County Conservation District.