Frances Adeline Kaliszewski

Frances Kaliszewski passed away peacefully on December 31, 2025, at age 86. A beloved educator, outdoor adventurer and friend to all, Fran will be remembered for her warmth and pluck.

Frances Adeline Leolani was born on September 9, 1939, in Wahiawa, in the territory of Hawaii, to Frank and Adeline Yates, and she grew up in San Diego with her older sister, Carol. In 1956 Frances met Ronald Kaliszewski, who was serving at nearby Naval Air Station North Island. The couple wed in 1961 and were married for 64 years.

Fran attended Valparaiso University in Indiana, where she a member of the Phi Beta Chi sorority. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education in 1961 and taught third grade in Illinois and Wisconsin before she and Ron settled in Shoreview, Minnesota, and started a family.

While Fran stayed home to raise their three children, she was very active in her church and volunteered as a nature guide. Fran earned a master's degree in library science from St. Cloud State University in 1996 and worked as an elementary school media specialist in the Stillwater and Centennial school districts until she retired in 2001.

Fran absorbed herself in creative endeavors, such as sewing and calligraphy. Her even, elegant script elevated many a graduation announcement and marriage proclamation. To every job and volunteer position, Fran brought her creativity and flair. She festooned her classrooms and book nooks with beautifully hand-lettered posters, artwork and stuffed animals, and devised clever games and competitions to motivate the students to read. She instilled in many, many children a love of learning – and especially a passion for books.

Fran's inquisitive nature and her intrepid spirit meant that she was always up for an adventure. She loved to travel and took many trips within the U.S. and around the globe. She wholeheartedly embraced her adopted home state of "Minne-SNOW-ta" and threw herself into activities across the seasons, including camping, hiking, kayaking and cross-country skiing. Fran was particularly passionate about bicycling; she was as happy pedaling local trails as she was on multi-day treks.

Fran's warm, bubbly personality attracted many friends. Unabashedly outgoing, she could approach any stranger and walk away minutes later with a new best buddy. In addition, Fran was dedicated to helping those in need and often opened her home to students, travelers and displaced persons.

Fran and Ron lived in the same house in Shoreview for more than 50 years and nurtured deep friendships with their dear neighbors. They also made regular visits to the North Shore of Lake Superior, Fran's favorite place on Earth. In 2017, Fran and Ron relocated to Coralville, Iowa, to be close to their older daughter, Susan, and her family.

Fran was preceded in death by 10 months by her beloved labrador retriever Zoey, a loyal friend and constant companion for many years.

Fran is survived by her husband, Ronald, and their children Susan Kaliszewski (Peter Thorne) of Iowa City, IA; Steve Kaliszewski (Hélène Barcelo) of Tempe, AZ; and Amy Long (Keith Long) of Lafayette, IN. She is also survived by grandchildren Alec, Kate (Will Jewell) and Anneke Thorne, and Natalie, Charles and Clare Long.

Fran's family would like to thank the kind caregivers at Briarwood Healthcare Center and Essence of Life Hospice in Iowa City, who made sure she was comfortable in her final days.

Per Fran's wishes, no public services will be held. Donations in Fran's memory can be made to the Alzheimer's Association (alz.org) or the Superior Hiking Trail Association (superiorhiking.org).