Fran Graalum

Frances Jean Graalum took the hand of God on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at the age of 94. Fran fought a long and hard battle against COPD. She was born to Dr. George and Mildred Waldren on May 28, 1930, in Drayton, ND.

As a young girl, Fran lived in Pembina, ND until 1936 when the family moved to Cavalier, ND. Fran graduated high school in 1948. She attended UND (go Sioux) and transferred to Northwest Institute of Medical Technology in Minneapolis, MN.

Fran and Wally married on May 9, 1953 in Cavalier. They lived in Minot, ND until 1960. Fran and Wally settled back in Cavalier to raise their three children, Debbie, Rick and Jim.

Fran was an active member of the Cavalier Presbyterian Church, 4H leader, American Legion Auxiliary, Daughters of the American Revolution, Eastern Star, Cavalier Study Club and her beloved Cavalier Bridge Club. Fran also loved volunteering for federal, state and local elections.

Fran spent most of her life as a homemaker, which she thoroughly loved. Her house was a revolving door of coffee drinkers and laughter.

Fran and Wally moved to Fargo, ND in 1991, to be closer to their family. Fran became an active member of the Nativity Catholic Church. She attended daily Mass and cherished all her Nativity friends. You would often find her in the parish kitchen helping with funerals, going to bible studies, drinking coffee and visiting with friends in the Fireside Room. Fran also became lifelong friends with Wally’s Kiwanis buddies and their wives.

Fran led a full and meaningful life, impacting many people with her kindness and fun-loving nature. She was a cherished mother, grandmother, and friend who always greeted others with a positive attitude and a smile. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Fran has been reunited in Heaven with her parents, her husband Wally Graalum, newborn son Charles, her brother Charles Waldren, and great granddaughters Aubrey Larson and Kensington Graalum.

Her three children survive her: Deborah Martin (Scott), Richard Graalum (Terryl), and Jim Graalum (Julie). Additionally, she is survived by 10 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren: Tyler (Sarah) Martin, Annie Hertz (Troy), Heather Ostheimer (Kailun), Kelly Perlich (Josh), Kyle Graalum (Tiffany), Kristopher Graalum (Christina), Kayla Graalum (Cody Wald), Michael Graalum, Stephen Graalum, Justine Bullinger (Zach). Great grandchildren: Kaden, Ellis, Jada Martin, Madison Larson, Rachel Hertz, Isaac, Zoe, Ian Ostheimer, Anika, Jacob, Jackson Perlich, Briggs, Lennon Graalum, Hayden, and Halle Graalum.

Visitation and prayer service: 7:00 P.M. Friday, May 9, 2025, with visitation starting at 6:00 pm at Boulger Funeral Home.

Funeral: Saturday May 10, 10:30 at Nativity Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to Fargo Memorial Honor Guard, Hospice of the Red River Valley, or a charity of your choice.