Fran Burgess

Frances Elizabeth Burgess was born on January 7, 1931, to Marvin and Mabel (Brown) Smith on the family farm south of Paullina, Iowa. She and her sisters were raised on the farm, where she developed many cherished memories. Among her fondest were the years she spent showing Shorthorn cattle throughout the Midwest.

Following her graduation from Paullina High School, Fran attended Iowa State University, where she met the love of her life, Don Burgess. The couple was united in marriage on August 10, 1951, in Paullina. Their son, Scott, was born in 1952. During their senior year, Fran and Don transferred to Buena Vista College, where Fran earned her degree in Home Economics with a minor in Art. While attending Buena Vista.

The Burgesses began their teaching careers in Glidden, where Don accepted his first teaching position and their daughter, Kim, was born. Additional teaching opportunities led them to other communities before they ultimately settled in Denison in 1959. Fran spent time substitute teaching in each of the towns where they lived before accepting a full-time position in the early 1960s as an elementary art teacher. She taught at 20th Street School, the Central Building, satellite sites, and in both Deloit and Kiron. For many years, she transported art supplies from classroom to classroom until an addition was built at 20th Street School, allowing her to finally have a dedicated art room. She loved having everything at her fingertips and no longer needing to carry boxes of supplies from one classroom to another.

Fran was deeply involved in the life of her churches. She participated in Women’s Circle, Mariners, and church choir, and faithfully served her communities through these organizations. She was also a proud member of P.E.O. Chapter CO for more than 70 years and greatly enjoyed gathering with her special dinner bridge group.

Fran and Don were fortunate to travel extensively throughout their lives. Their adventures abroad included visits to schools and destinations in Hong Kong, China, England, Italy, and France. They also enjoyed exploring the United States while pulling their travel trailer, with the southern states among their favorite destinations. Following retirement, they spent their winters in Port Isabel and South Padre Island, Texas, which became their home away from home.

Fran passed away on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at Gracewell in Denison, Iowa at the age of 95 years, four months and 24 days. She was preceded in death by her parents; in-laws, Asa and Irene Burgess; husband, Don Burgess; son, Scott Burgess; daughter-in-law, Chris Burgess; sisters and their husbands: Helen (Lynny) Pauling, Margaret Ann (Brian) McGregor; and nephew, Keli McGregor.

She is survived by her daughter, Kim (Curt) Heithoff of Atlantic; grandsons: Jamey Bengfort of Omaha, Tobin Burgess of Fort Collins, Colorado, Brian (Emily) Heithoff of North Liberty; granddaughter, Emily (Nathan) Clark of Atlantic; 12 great-grandchildren; beloved nieces and nephews; and other family and friends.

Her celebration of life memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Grace Church in Denison. Inurnment will follow in Crawford Heights Memory Gardens in Denison. The family will direct memorials.