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Frances Leolani
Frances Leolani
Iowa City
Frances Adeline Leolani was born on September 9, 1939, in Wahiawa, in the territory of Hawaii, to Frank and Adeline Yates, and she grew up in San Diego with her older sister, Carol. In 1956, Frances met Ronald Kaliszewski, who was serving at nearby Naval Air Station North Island. Ronald and Frances wed in 1961 and settled in Shoreview, Minnesota, where they raised their children and lived for more than 50 years.
Fran earned a BA in elementary education from Valparaiso University in Indiana in 1961and a master’s degree in library science from St. Cloud State University in 1996. She worked as an elementary school media specialist in the Stillwater and Centennial (MN) school districts until she retired in 2001 and instilled in many children a love of learning – and especially a passion for books.
Fran wholeheartedly embraced her adopted home state of “Minne-SNOW-ta,” and threw herself into activities across the seasons, including camping, hiking, cycling, kayaking and cross-country skiing. Unabashedly bubbly, Fran could approach any stranger and walk away minutes later with a new best buddy. In addition, Fran was dedicated to helping those in need and often opened her home to students, travelers and displaced persons.
In Shoreview, Fran and Ron nurtured deep friendships with dear neighbors. They also made regular visits to the North Shore of Lake Superior, Fran’s favorite place on Earth. In 2017, Fran and Ron relocated to Coralville, Iowa, to be close to their older daughter, Susan, and her family.
Fran is survived by her husband, Ronald, and their children Susan Kaliszewski (Peter Thorne) of Iowa City, IA; Steve Kaliszewski (Hélène Barcelo) of Tempe, AZ; and Amy Long (Keith Long) of Lafayette, IN. She is also survived by grandchildren Alec, Kate (Will Jewell) and Anneke Thorne, and Natalie, Charles and Clare Lon.
Per Fran’s request, no public services will be held. Donations in Fran’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) or the Superior Hiking Trail Association (superiorhiking.org)
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