Frances B. Ridl, 98, Dickinson, died on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at Benedictine Living Center, Dickinson. A Mass of Christian Burial for Frances will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Dickinson with Fr. Brandon Wolf as celebrant. Interment will take place at Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery, New Hradec. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with a rosary and vigil at 6 p.m. with Deacon Ron Keller presiding. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the Mass at the church.
Frances was born January 5, 1926, the youngest of 11 children born to Stephan and Agnes (Samek) Kostelecky. She attended school in Dickinson, graduating from Model High in 1944. She married Edward J. Ridl, son of Andrew T. and Albina (Meduna) Ridl, on November 12, 1947. To this union seven children were born: Roger, Cary A., Marie, Edward, Daphne, Duane, and Maribeth.
Frances and Edward lived in Dunn County and raised their children on the family farm. They enjoyed dancing and old-time music. Ed passed away July 24, 1987. Frances was working at St. Joseph’s Hospital at the time. She continued working at the hospital, retiring after 19 years in October 1997.
Frances moved to Dickinson in 2002. She was a member of St. Patrick’s Parish where she was very active as a reader, a collections counter, and member of The Legion of Mary. She was also a member of Catholic Daughters and The Red Hats. She was very proud of her Czech heritage and served on The Czech Heritage Board for many years. She also enjoyed singing and was a member of The Czech Singers. She moved to Evergreen Assisted Living in 2017. She moved to the Benedictine Living Community on September 26, 2024.
She enjoyed embroidery, crocheting, and crafts. Frances enjoyed family gatherings and reunions. Hence, the celebration of her 90th birthday was a large family reunion.
Frances is survived by her sons, Roger, Texas, Cary (Cheryl), Dickinson, Edward (Berneta), Minot, and Duane (Lana), Arizona; and one son-in-law, Ryan Hoff. She is also survived by 27 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward; parents; parents-in-law, three daughters, Marie (in infancy), Daphne Helfrich, and Maribeth Hoff; one daughter-in-law, JoAnn Ridl; one grandchild; one great-great-grandchild; one granddaughter-in-law, and her six brothers, four sisters and their spouses.