Frances L. Obermire

Frances Louise (Becker) Obermire was born on August 20, 1944, in Gordon, Nebraska to Clarence and Lenora (Andrews) Becker. She was the youngest of three daughters. The family moved to Spencer, Nebraska when she was two. Being quite a bit younger than her sisters, she often felt like an only child – complete with an imaginary friend to blame things on. Fran's first real job was as a soda jerk at her dad's pharmacy. Animals in her young life included cocker spaniels and her quarter horse, Vicky. While in high school she was a member of the pep band and was first chair trumpet. Fran could sight read piano music well and even played the organ in church.
Fran met Don Obermire at a dance, and he swept her off her feet. They got married on February 1, 1964, in Spencer, Nebraska. Their family filled out quickly, with Donni being the 1965 New Year's baby. Fran enjoyed all the gifts that came with the honor, while Don lamented the loss of a year's worth of tax deduction. The pattern of 3 girls continued with their family while they lived in Butte. Donni, Dixie, and Darci were all born two years apart. Fran used to joke that their names were a bad report card – 4 D's and an F! The family eventually moved to the Atkinson area, where Fran spent most of her adult life.
Fran helped the family financially with several jobs. She worked at the Newspaper and KBRX Radio in O'Neill, waitressing, and running the scale house during harvest. She found her career in medical transcription – starting in O'Neill, and then long standing at West Holt Memorial in Atkinson. In her spare time Fran got her EMT license, loved to read, was an amazing seamstress, wrote poetry, and really enjoyed a good game of scrabble.
Fran's true vocation was as an animal lover. She blessed her daughters and grandkids with support of any pet/4-H project. Appaloosa horse shows all over the state, FFA sheep shows, 4-H dog shows, and even cat and pocket pet projects were welcomed. Often her house felt like the "Obermire Zoo." She bottle raised a raccoon and a squirrel, and adored her potbellied pig "Petunia." Her goal in life was to spoil as many animals as possible.
Fran is survived by Daughters; Donnie (Dave) Nachtman of Bennett, NE, Dixie (Jeremy) Pelc of Pierce, NE, and Darci (Jon) Lindgren of Albion, NE; 9 Grandchildren and 11 Great Grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Husband Donald, Sisters Bev (Bob) Moody and Lois (Lloyd) Hermansen.