Frances A. Karlson, 95, of Cherokee, Iowa, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at Cherokee Regional Medical Center.

Graveside services for the public will be held on Friday, June 9, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery in Cherokee, Iowa. Pastor Jonathan Riggert will officiate.  Online condolences may be left at www.boothbyfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her name can be made to the Cherokee Public Library or Cherokee Volunteer Fire Department.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her name can be made to the Cherokee Public Library or Cherokee Volunteer Fire Department.

Fran was born Frances Annette Anderson on July 15, 1927 to James and Gertrude Anderson, in Denver, Colorado. She attended Colorado College in Colorado Springs before beginning her career as a medical technologist at Denver General Hospital. While working in Denver, she met her future husband, Carl Karlson. Upon his graduation from Denver University, they returned to his hometown of Cherokee, Iowa, where they raised four children.

Fran played bridge and golf into her 90's and rode her bike into her 80's, often leading the way and occasionally demonstrating her "hands free" riding skill!

Fran baked a prodigious amount of cookies, brownies, fudge, pies and cakes for her family, and she was especially famous for her Special K bars, a treat that her children referred to as "Cherokee bars".  She loved a good happy hour , much laughter, chatting with her many friends, and going to the library to use the computers.  Fran never missed sending her family birthday cards; never missed writing a thank-you note.

Fran is survived by three of her children; Karen Scott (Paul) of Denver, David Karlson of Denver, and Michael Karlson of Prescott, AZ. Her son, Bradley and husband, Carl, preceded her in death.  She is survived by nine grandchildren: Scott Karlson (Lauri), Kristi Evgen (Travis), Kelli Gottula (Trevor), Jeff Karlson, Christopher Scott, Jill (Alex) Lelchuk, Danna Karlson, Mollie Karlson, and Kramer Karlson.  She is also survived by 8 great grandchildren.