On May 4th, 2017 at age 96 just 5 days short of her 97th birthday, our much-loved Fran passed away. Preceded in death by her parents, Dr. William Joseph Ryan, and Julia Ryan (Byrnes) her beloved husband, Leonard Robert Kozarek, twin sister Winifred Arimond, sister Mary Kay O'Connell, and grandchildren Tony Benge and Tara French.Frances is survived by children Bob (Judy Lindberg), Bill (Sue Ellen), Julie (Michael Frakes), Kate (Bill Wilson), Jim (Sue), Mary (Jim Smith); Grandchildren Lynne (Keith Morioka), Jessica, Nikki Frakes, Michael (Ann), Katrina, Sarah Frakes, Matt Frakes, Danny Wilson, Chris Wilson, Ian Smith and Callie Smith; Great-Grandchildren, Jenna Bevis, Owen, Alex and Payton. Franny, as she was known, was born and raised in Morgan Park, and a graduate of St. Scholastica. During World War II, she worked for the Department of Agriculture. In 1945 she married the love of her life, Captain Leonard Kozarek, an Army Air Corp Bomber pilot. They married in Clovis, New Mexico while Len was on leave. When peace was restored Len left the Army Air Corps (with many honors) and Fran left the Dept. of Ag as a food inspector. They settled in Morgan Park to raise a family, with Fran's new career being a devoted housewife and mother. After 5 kids (within a span of 6 years) the Morgan Park home was outgrown and a move was made to Lakeside. Here, Mary, the 6th and final child was born. While in Lakeside, Fran and Len were devoted members of St. Michael's Catholic Church. Len was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and Fran & Len enjoyed trips with the Knights, especially to visit other Knights groups in Canada. They formed many close friendships in their time in the St. Michael's parish. Fran was a member of the Duluth Women's club and the Duluth Lioness. Both Fran and Len were devoted volunteers for many years at St. Mary's Hospital. When the children were grown, Fran & Len moved to Woodland, where they became members of St. John's Catholic Parish. They enjoyed their community and their wooded back yard for many years. Shortly after Len passed away in 2002, Fran had to give up her home. She moved to Westwood, where her beloved twin sister Winnie was living. She enjoyed many social interactions at Westwood, and Fran and Winnie tirelessly watched over each other as they aged. When Winnie passed in 2013, Fran's health started to fail further, and she moved to BHC (Benedictine Health Community). Along with her family, a loving staff cared her for until her death. The family thanks the staff of Westwood and BHC for tirelessly caring for Fran. Fran loved her family more than anything. Her life revolved around her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She loved Duluth and, as she aged, loved weekly trips up the North Shore. She had a great affection for Lake Superior. You would most often find her in Sister Mariella’s Garden, enjoying the flowers, butterflies and the sunshine. A celebration of Life visitation will be on Wednesday, May 10th at 9:00 AM at Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel at the College of St. Scholastica 1001 Kenwood Ave. followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10:00 AM. Memorials preferred to Sister Mariella's Garden C/O Benedictine Health Center. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, Duluth, 218-727-3555.
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