Frances Jean Paul-Gunderson, of Colfax, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on April 17, 2017, at Colfax Health and Rehab, while under the care of Mayo Clinic Hospice.

Frances was born on May 11th of 1926, to Ausman and Mary (Longdo) Fjelsted of Eau Claire. She graduated from Elk Mound High School in 1944. Fran married Russell Paul of Eau Claire in 1945. Russell passed away in February of 1985. She then married Elroy Gunderson of Colfax in October of 1997. He passed away in July of 2010.

Fran worked at the Farmers Store in Colfax, Packerland in Chippewa Falls, and did Home Care around Dunn County for many years. She loved to embroider and had lots of plants inside and out. The coffee pot was always on as she loved company.

Fran is survived by her children, Jeanne (Jim) Herrick, Larry (Lola) Paul, Joni (Walker Cooper) Gunness, and Loren (Donna) Paul; her grandchildren, Jordan (Gretchen) Herrick, Austin (Rhonda) Herrick, Amy (Scott) Polkoski, Jami (fiancé, Melissa) Kuesel, Jeremy (Christi) Paul, Jenny (fiancé, Josh) Paul, Fayana (Tomm) Krenz, Danielle (Bob) Rubenzer, Scott (Kristin) Hagen, Jennifer Steinbach, Gretchen (Theo) Ritter, Laura Paul, Chelsea Paul, Courtney Fregine, Cássie Fregine, and Chrystal (fiancé, Chance) Fregine; her 33 great-grandchildren, who were precious to her; her step-children, Peter, Jim, Joe, Andy and Tony Gunderson; her siblings, Elizabeth Johnson, Dave (Diane) Fjelsted, and Judy (Bruce) Ganong; her sisters-in-law, Bess Fjelsted, Lois Fjelsted, Lois Fjelstad, and Vernice Knoepke; she is further survived by many nieces, nephews, and special friends, Marion Trent and Carol Benish; and her Godchild, Mary Ellen (David) Stephen.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Russell Paul and Elroy Gunderson; her siblings, Mark Fjelsted, Claire (Iva) Fjelsted, Marce (Smokey) Christianson, James Fjelsted, Dale Fjelstad, and Donna Harshman; brothers-in-law, Norman Johnson, Omar Hanson, and Karmet Gunderson; and step-grandchild, Caitlyn Mira.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, 2017, at Colfax Lutheran Church, 601 River St, Colfax, with Pastor Leslie Walck and Pastor Jordan Herrick officiating. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery.

Thank you to Colfax Health and Rehab and Mayo Clinic Hospice for such good care and compassion. Thank you to Pastor Leslie Walck and Pastor Jordan Herrick as well as those who visited, called and sent cards.

“Love begins with a smile, grows with a kiss, and ends with a teardrop.”