"Mrs. Goodrich was my 2nd grade teacher at Dover-Eyota. I have nothing but fond memories of her. Such a kind, compassionate and patient lady. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family."
In loving memory of
Frances Goodrich
April 21, 1924 - March 1, 2020
Frances M. Goodrich , 95, of St. Charles died Sunday, March 1, 2020 at her home. Frances was born April 21, 1924 in Elba Township to Andrew and Helen (Doyle) Kieffer. She graduated from St. Charles High School and from Teachers Training as well as Winona State University. Frances taught 12 ½ years in rural schools and 24 years at Dover-Eyota. On June 12, 1948 she married James Goodrich at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Lewiston. Jim died March 12, 1996. Fran was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, the Rosary Society, Catholic Daughters, Friends of the Library, St. Charles Seniors, and was a life-time member of the Minnesota and National Education Associations.
After retiring from teaching she had many fun and happy times volunteering at church, hospice, St. Charles Library, Golden Living Center and Senior Center. She enjoyed the "coffee" lunches, shopping and especially birthday get together with friends.
Mrs. Goodrich is survived by a son Bruce of St. Charles, her grandchildren, Nicole of Lewiston, LeAnn (Scott) Thisius of Cannon Falls, Michael Jr. (Sarah) of Rochester, great-grandchildren Christopher, Allie and Lucas Thisius, a sister Lorraine Doehling of Rollingstone and many cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Jim, a son Michael, two brothers, Cecil and Leon, two sisters, Margaret and Phyllis, a stillborn brother, two sisters-in-law, Betty and Fern and brothers-in-law, Melvin, Gerry and Dick.
Mass will be 11 a.m. Friday, March 6, 2020 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church with the Reverend Tim Biren officiating. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. A visitation will be at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church Thursday, March 5, 2020 from 4-7 p.m. and Friday 10 - 11 a.m. Please share a memory of Frances at her online guestbook and view her video tribute when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com. Memorials are preferred to Home and Community Options, St. Charles Ambulance and St. Charles Fire Department. Hoff Funeral Service in St. Charles is assisting the family with arrangements.
Tributes
"My sympathy to Fran's family. In the mid 1980's, I used to come to Fran's house and give her organ lessons. We had such a good time together! What a dear lady and a blessing to you all for having her in your life for so many years. Prayers for all of you. Lori Feuerhelm"
"fran was a warm generous woman she was incredibly strong and carfing. so sad for all her dear family and frienmds frpm dianw Kernlerf"
"Mrs. Goodrich was my first teacher when my family and I moved to Eyota. I was very nervous but she always put me at ease, and was not only loved by me, but all of the kids she taught! She goes down as my favorite teacher!!"
"Dearest family of Fran's; I can't begin to tell you how much Fran meant to me and my family. She was a wonderful woman and will always be remembered. I know how much she loved all of you and how important you all were to her. Blessings to everyone during this heart wrenching time. I know she had a wonderful, long life, but there is an emptiness without her. Please know others loved her and miss her deeply. God Bless. Liz & Todd"
"I am heartbroken in seeing this....Mrs. Goodrich lived with my grandparents (Brennans) in Eyota when she first started teaching District 94. She taught my mom and my uncle; I have been truly blessed to have known her since birth. I will truly miss our weekly phone calls across the miles and will treasure our memories. Carol Hammett Lodi Ca"
"Fran was such a lovely lady and helped me get to be active in St. Borromeo. RIP Fran and prayers for your family?s comfort. "
"Mrs Goodrich was my 2nd grade teacher at Eyota back in 1972. She was my favorite teacher in my elementary years. She was kind, patient, and was a quality teacher. I am just finishing my 30th year of math teaching iat Lancaster, Wi. Bruce Fuchs DE graduate - class of 1983. "
"LeAnn, Mike, Nicole: So sorry for your loss. Your grandma was the sweetest person. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you. ?"
"We regretted hearing the news of Frans passing. We'll remember her as a woman of deep faith who had a significant zest for life. (Greg &Linda Kieffer Schoener)"
"Before Fran passed away she made us promise to continue the Kieffer Family Reunion. You got it Fran. Thank you for being such a wonderful Aunt. She always caring to me and my family. "
"Before Fran died she made us promise to continue the Kieffer Family Reunion. You got it Fran. Thank you for being such a wonderful aunt. She was always caring about me and my family. "
"Just the best 2nd grade teacher ever. She was a natural teacher. Kind but firm. We all wanted to be our best for Mrs. Goodrich. I had the chance to see her a few years ago at a church supper and she was still the kind, warm-hearted lady that I had always remembered. I think I remember most how her smile just made you feel like you were the most special person so her. "
"Fran was a wonderful person?She was a very dedicated teacher. She was the second grade teacher of our daughter, Shelley. Shelley is the person she is today because of such an awesome teacher she had in second grade at Dover-Eyota Schools. Love you, Fran?"
"Heaven truly gained an angel. She was my neighbor for a couple years. Already retired at that time she shared her love of flowers and gardening with me and my then curious 3 year old, who loved to sit in her garden on the path and play Alice in Wonderland. Prayers for the entire Goodrich family."
"Fran was my second grade teacher in Dover. She was remarkable and very patient. She had a cute sense of humor and was always so kind. I have enjoyed seeing her at City Hall over the years as she came to the senior center. Fran will be missed by many people as it seemed that she knew everyone. Your family has my deepest sympathy and will remain in my thoughts and prayers. We were all blessed to have her in our lives. Blessings to all of you. Janell Dahl "
"Fran was my elementary teacher in Utica and made learning so much fun. In recent years we communicated and she was a joy to know. Always was my favorite teacher and my sympathy to Bruce and all of her family. She will be missed by many!"
"We are so sorry to hear of Fran's passing. She was a wonderful woman and will be missed in the community. Prayers for the entire Goodrich family."
"She was my first grade teacher in Utica. What a wonderful person."
"Our sincere sympathy to Bruce and grandchildren and family. Bruce, your mother was a beautiful lady, who was a friend of my oldest sister. At that time in life, she became my Confirmation sponsor, and I took the name 'Frances'. She will and has been in my prayers. , and fondly remembered."
"Fran was a sweetheart. My prayers to her family."