Frances E. (Fran) Wullbrandt

Frances Eleanor (Mallory) Wullbrandt, 95, died March 16, 2017, at Franklin General Hospital in Hampton, Iowa. Fran was born June 17, 1921, the daughter of DeWitt and Flossie Mallory. She was born at home on the family farm. Fran attended country school and graduated from Hampton High School. She then earned a B.S. degree at Iowa State University in 1943. She worked briefly as a draftsman for General Motors in Dayton, Ohio and then as an interior designer at Younker's department store in Des Moines. During World War II, Fran joined the American Red Cross and was director at Club San Francisco, a tent city club in France. After the war, she returned to Younker's and then was home furnishings editor for Successful Farming magazine at Meredith Publishing. Fran met her husband, Fritz, on a blind date. Before the date, Fran drove her then-boyfriend's car from the farm into Hampton to get a look at Fritz, one of the owners of the new B&W grocery store. Fritz and Fran (Francis and Frances) were married September 12, 1948. Fran was an artist and imparted her love of art and creativity to her four children. In addition to raising children, Fran was very active in her community. She was one of the founders of the Franklin County Historical Society and the Arts Council, served as a state officer of American Association of University Women (AAUW) and was a member of Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.), the Franklin General Hospital Auxiliary, American Legion Auxiliary, As You Like It and T.T.T. Fritz and Fran were extraordinary ballroom dancers who enjoyed dancing at the Surf in Clear Lake and on cruises. They traveled extensively. They picnicked and partied with friends and family and supported Iowa State University. Fran started playing Bridge at age 60 and enjoyed playing (and playing well!) until the very end of her life. Fran took great pride in being descendent of Leander Reeve, who was one of the first settlers of Franklin County and built the Old Stone House. Her family farm was always central to her life. Fran is survived by her children Wendy, Paul, Jane (Charles) Center and Mary Beth (Steve) Vogts, and her grandchildren Lia and Alex Wullbrandt. She was preceded in death by her husband Fritz (Francis), daughter-in-law Judy, parents and sister Maxine Meyer. Memorial gifts may be directed to the Franklin General Hospital Foundation, Hospice of North Iowa, or the Franklin County Historical Society.

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Frances E. (Fran) Wullbrandt

June 17, 1921 - March 16, 2017