Frances A. Kathrein, 88, New England, died on Monday, May 27, 2024 at Richardton Health Center. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Frances at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 1, 2024 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, New England. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, New England. Visitation will be on Friday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with a Rosary and Vigil at 7 p.m. with Deacon Leonard Krebs presiding. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the Mass on Saturday at the church.
Frances was born to George and Frances (Wandler) Steiner on the family farm outside of Mott on June 5, 1935. She was the baby out of twelve children in the family. After moving off the farm at 18, she was a waitress in Dickinson. She met Tony Kathrein at a dance, and they were married at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Dickinson in June of 1956. They lived west of New England where they raised their three boys: Lenny, Larry, and Lee.
Frances was a stay-at-home mom until her boys were in school at which time she started to cook at restaurants in New England. In addition, she worked as a nurse’s aide and provided cleaning services. She also kept busy with quilting, wedding cake baking and decorating, sewing, and doing alterations on clothing throughout the years. Her house was always immaculate!
Frances was a tremendous cook and baker. Her baked goods were always in demand by Tony and her boys, the local neighbors, or regulars that had coffee and meals in the restaurant she was cooking at in New England. Family and friends can attest that no celebration was complete at the Kathrein home without delicious homemade desserts to enjoy.
Frances had an unbelievable green thumb resulting in her extraordinarily productive vegetable garden providing her family with fresh vegetables and fruits during the summer months and canned preserves throughout the year. She had numerous flower beds and spent hours keeping her yard mowed.
Frances is survived by sons, Lee (Melanie) Kathrein, Dickinson, and Larry Kathrein, Colorado Springs, CO; seven grandchildren, Morgan Kathrein, Michaela (Cody) Perbix, Samantha Kathrein (Kevin Boudreau), Rasha Kathrein, Zachary Kathrein, April (Jesse) Davis, and John Kathrein; and three great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Tony; one son, Lenny; and all of her siblings and their spouses, Jake (Frances) Steiner, Ismarie (Pete) Kuntz, Helen (L. Ward) Detwiler, Patty (George) Staudinger, Eleanor (James) Manly, Lee Steiner, Barbara (Frank) Osaben, Tony (Ruth) Steiner, Sister Perpetua (Margaret) Kathrein, Sister Frances (Kathrine) Kathrein, and Rose (Ernest) Harmon.
Frances lived on the farm for several years after Tony passed away. She moved to the Richardton Health Center in 2016 and loved the nurses, staff, and residents who she interacted with daily. She enjoyed playing Bingo and joking with those who worked there. Her family will be forever grateful for the loving care provided to Frances “Franny” at the Richardton Health Center.
