Frances Bernice Viaene

Fran Viaene, age 97, of Cottonwood, Minnesota, died peacefully on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at the Granite Falls Care Center. Mass of Christian Burial is 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 9, 2026, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Cottonwood, Minnesota. Following interment in the church cemetery, a luncheon will be held in the church basement. Visitation will be held just prior to her celebration, from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 9, also at the church.

Frances Bernice Burczek was born on November 10, 1928, in Lincoln County, Minnesota, to Stanley and Nellie (Sik) Burczek. She was baptized as an infant, received first communion, and was as confirmed at St. Jon Cantius Catholic Church in Wilno, Minnesota. Fran attended country school through the eighth grade and then worked at the local café in Cottonwood, Minnesota. She later met Mr. Andrew Viaene at a wedding dance.

On February 4, 1947, Fran and Andy were married in Wilno and made their home on a farm between Hendricks and Ivanhoe. The couple raised 5 children as they moved into Cottonwood in 1958. They also shared over 60 years of marriage together before Andy's death in November 2007.

Fran was a devoted homemaker and loving mother. She also assisted Andy with his Pool Hall business. Fran was a longtime member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Cottonwood where she served in many roles. Her other enjoyments in life included cooking and baking (her therapy, as she called it), fishing, tending to her flower gardens, and the occasional card game.

Fran Viaene died peacefully on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at the Granite Falls Care Center. She reached the age of 97 years, 3 months, and 21 days. Blessed and eternal be her memory.

She is survived by 4 children, Ernie (and Joyce) Viaene of Cottonwood, Jim (and Rhonda) Viaene of Mankato, Ken (and Patty) Viaene of Willmar, David (and Laura) Viaene of Willmar; 14 grandchildren, Karen (and Brad), Kevin (and Vicki), Kris (and Tim), Steven, Susan (and Jer), Becky (and Matt), Michael (and Amara), Katie, Melissa (and Dan), Jennifer, Daniel (and Kelsey), Tajae, Kathy (and Tony), Ann (and Mark); 20 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Leona Petrovic of Chicago, IL; nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends.

Fran was preceded in death by her parents, Stan and Nellie Burczek; husband, Andy Viaene; daughter, Mary (and Ken) Ochocki; and 4 siblings, Stella Dickey, Alex Burczek, Ben Burckek, and Lorraine Rohlik.