Charlotte DeFrance

1921 - 2025

Charlotte May Claypool (DeFrance) was born January 24, 1921 to Wayne Claypool and Annie (Dess) Claypool in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. She attended country school near Underwood, In 1934, when she was 13 years old her mother died. She was sent to live with her aunts, first in Plentywood, Montana, and later in Spokane, Washington. She graduated high school in Spokane in 1938. After graduation, she returned to Minnesota and received her teaching certificate from Moorhead college. Charlotte taught country school near Underwood and later in Manhattan, Montana.
Charlotte met and married Robert DeFrance in Bozeman, Montana. She adored Bob. They were married 5 years and had 2 children when Bob died in a plane crash in 1951. She was about 6 weeks pregnant at the time of his death. Charlotte moved back to Minnesota to be near her family. The baby died at 8 months gestation due to the cord being around her neck. After the baby's death, Charlotte moved to Bemidji to be near her father and brothers. She attended Bemidji State College and earned a degree in Elementary Education. She wanted to be a scientist, but was told she could get the education but no one would hire a woman. After graduation in 1958, she tried to get a teaching job in Bemidji school district. Even though she graduated cum laude and was highly recommended by her professors, she was told they would not hire her because they would have to pay her head of household. She did get a teaching job in Anoka Hennepin and moved to Anoka. She taught 5th grade for 18 years before her retirement in 1976.
Charlotte moved to the family farm site in rural Ottertail County near Underwood in 1976. She was an active member of the Maine Presbyterian Church. Charlotte taught adult Bible study, participated in quilt making and many other activities of the church. She loved the church.
In 1984, Charlotte's 13-year-old granddaughter came to live with her. They were together until her granddaughter's graduation from college. They were a blessing to each other.
Charlotte was a lifelong learner. She loved books and loved to read. She read 150-200 books a year. She was a bit of a book collector and had a library of about 2000 books.
Gardening was a favored activity. She had several flower gardens and also grew vegetables. Charlotte also enjoyed crocheting and made afghans, mittens, and slippers.
In 2015, Charlotte moved from the farm at the age of 94 to New Ulm to be near her daughter. She lived in a senior apartment for 6 years before moving to Oak Hills Living Center after a fall. Charlotte is deeply loved by family and friends. She will be missed.
Thanks to the staff at Oak Hills for their excellent care. Thanks to Hospice for their extra attention and great care.
Charlotte is survived by daughters, Mary (Eddie) Zachman, Lanis (Tom) Curtis; 6 grandchildren, Nicole (Matt) Miller, Sheila (John) Brownfield, David (Marcia) Curtis, Kelly (Doug) Korneski, Elizabeth Spreiter, Simone (Charles) Thayer; 17 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert DeFrance; brothers, Merrill (Ramona), Daniel, Norman (Vivian); son-in-law, Tom Curtis; and infant daughter, Laurie.
Memorial service will be held in the summer of 2026. Burial will be in Montana.