Frances (Fran) Marie Eklund, formerly of Belvidere, IL. and for the past 2.5 years residing with her daughter in Rockford, IL., went home to be with her Lord and Savior Friday morning, April 26, 2024.  Fran was born June 24, 1924, in Rochelle IL., the daughter of Claude and Angelina (Lena) Erickson Neiswender.  She was adopted by Haldor (Chris) and Olefina Nelson on April 6, 1928, in Lee County, IL.  Fran married Chester Eklund June 27, 1942, in St. Louis, MO.  Fran devoted her entire life to lovingly caring for her husband and four children, Dorrie, Sandy, Marsha, and Fred.  For a number of years Fran was a day care provider for several children in the Eklund home.  Once her own children were out of the home, Fran worked for a few years as a cook at Fairview Manor Nursing Home.

Fran especially loved her children and her grandchildren.  For many years Fran taught Sunday School for the elementary children at Calvary Baptist Church.  She enjoyed walks in the Belvidere park, sitting on the front porch with Chet and watching the sun set.  Fran also appreciated the friendship she had with the ladies of the church as they met once a month to celebrate each other's birthdays.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, Haldor and Olefina Nelson; her siblings, Gudren (John) Grimsby, Herb (Dorothy), Alfred (Lorena), Nels (Bernice) and Harold Nelson; her husband, Chester; and daughter, Dorrie Hodge.

She is survived by her children, Sandy (Wes) Hulstedt, Marsha (Jeff) Pundt, and Fred (Monica) Eklund; Grandchildren, Kelly, Kristi, Jessica, Janelle, Joanna, Julie, Jonathan, Joy, Nicole, Eddie, Chad and Keri; Great grand-children, McKenzie, Michaela, Micah, Elisa, Ethan, Eli, Madison, Nathan, Emma, Jonas, Leo, Elizabeth, Alyssa, Jonathan, Wyatt, Jesse, Georgia and Isaac; and one great- great grandchild, Milo.

A celebration of Life service will be held at Faith Baptist Church at 1637 7th Avenue in Belvidere IL. on Saturday, May 4th, at 11:00 AM.  Memorial contributions in Frances's name may be given to Faith Baptist Church of Belvidere.