Jill McNeal-Gall
July 20, 1948 ~ September 3, 2013
Jill Ann McNeal-Gall, 65, Fargo, passed away on Tuesday, September 3, 2013 at her home. She was born on July 20, 1948 in Crosby, ND and was raised by her mother, Maxine (Harris) and father, Herbert McNeal. She grew up in Kenmare, ND where she graduated from Kenmare High School. She earned her teaching degree at Minot State University.
In 1971, she moved to Fargo with her then husband, Larry Fust. She began teaching at St. Mary’s Catholic School. She then married Phil Franzen and began teaching third grade at Carl Ben Eielson and Clara Barton Elementary Schools. Jill retired from Clara Barton in 2009. Following her retirement, she moved to Temecula, CA to spend time with her grandsons. She returned to Fargo in 2013.
Jill loved to read and also enjoyed golfing and bowling. She cherished the time she spent with her family and friends, especially doing hidden picture puzzles with her grandsons. She also loved music, whether it be listening to it, attending concerts, or singing karaoke.
She is survived by her daughters, Nicole Piña, Lindsay (Shane) Johnson; mother, Maxine McNeal; sister, Kay Modin; brother, Kalmer McNeal; grandsons, Landin and Mason Piña; nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father, Herb; and grandmother, Lily Harris.
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bloomington, mn Even though I lost touch with Jill, I still have the memories of all of the crazy things that we did while growing up in Kenmare. That seems like so long ago, yet those days of “simpler times” remain with me still.
To all of her family and friends I send my deepest sympathy. Now it is time to take care of each other.
Mrs. Franzen was my son’s (Jeremy Newman) teacher in 3rd grade and was fabulous! After experiencing a rather negative teacher in 2nd grade, we were all hesitant for the upcoming school year. Needless to say, at back to school night, our concerns were out the window. Our son came home every day and told us what a pretty dress she was wearing or how good her perfume smelled. Yes – we certainly had a happy 3rd grader!! You impacted his life so positively that the rest of his academic years were compared to your classroom. He is now a teacher as well, and know that he was influenced by your kind heart and professionalism. Bless your family during this difficult time. May they find comfort in knowing how many lives you touched.
Rochester MN
She was my third grade teacher at Carl Ben Eielson 28 years ago. I would stop back and see her to say hello and catch up a little. She was a great teacher and made a memorable and important impact on my memory and my life. I feel very lucky to have had her as a teacher.
Oh yeah, and she was the talk of the kids with her car! She had the coolest car of all the teachers. I cannot remember the make, the body style similar to a corvette or firebird, but it was RED. Talk about memorable! 🙂
mesa az My dear Jill how do I live with out you. I think of you everyday. We had such big plans for some trips. I started picking out things for the bedroom you would use while staying with me during the winter. Remember our “trade off” I am lost for words girl-friend. This is just too much to deal with right now. I will always be in touch with your family so not to worry. You and Skip can reunite and set the heavens doors open for us that will follow. Love you dear Jill
I am sorry to hear of Jill’s passing. She was very nice and always had a smile on her face. I am thinking of her family.
Kay – my deepest sympathies to you and your family on the loss of your sister. I hope that good memories of her will sustain and comfort all of you during this difficult time.
I had the pleasure of having Jill for my third and fifth grade teacher at St. Mary’s Grade School. I would often say that she was mine and many others favorite teacher.
Flaxton ND
So sorry to hear of the loss of Jill. She was one of my best friends while growing up in Kenmare. We had many great times together. She was a very good friend. My prayers are with you. Cherish the memories.
Minot My sincere sympathy to Jill’s family. I have so many wonderful memories of growing up with her in Kenmare as close friends and classmates. (1966) We were not just classmates-We were cheerleaders, band & chorus members, as well as participants in every other activity and events that KHS had to offer. My heart goes out to all of you as you move forward with your lives without Jill’s love and support.
Fargo ND
My condolences sorry for your loss.
Minot ND
Our thoughts and prayers to Jill’s family and friends. I too have many good memories of our “growing up years” in Kenmare as classmates. Even then Jill was full of energy and fun to be around. Jill, you must have gotten your bowling talents from your mom as I remember her as a good bowler. The comments from former students were great, you made a difference.
Grand Forks North Dakota
I am still in shock that you are gone. It’s way too soon. I still have so much more that I needed to learn from you but I know you will have a way to ensure that I still can and I know you will always be with me. I will be forever grateful for every single memory but especially those over the last couple of months, it was great to have you recovered and back to the Mom I so cherished and leaned on. You were the most giving and patient Mom anyone could have asked for and I was looking forward to helping you get settled in to a future of happiness here in ND
. I am glad that you were able to spend some quality time with us as well as other family members and friends that you hadn’t been able to see for awhile. I love you forever and ever and will miss you everyday!
West Fargo ND
I taught with Jill at CBE for several years. Jill was great working with the students from my Resource Room. She was very patient with them but pushed them to do their very best. We had may laughs throughout the years.
Rest in Peace Jill.
I have so many good memories of our times in Kenmare as our families spent a lot of time together when I was young. Jill was always joking and having a good time as that seemed to be something we all liked to do. Family, please keep in your heart all the good memories as Jill would want you to in this most difficult time.
sartell mnU were my most favorite teacher in elementary school..u will be missed.my heart and prayers go out to your family.god bless!
FargoJill was my 3rd grade teacher at Carl Ben in 1989. ‘Mrs. Franzen’ is someone who I have referenced my entire life. The people that know me, know that I don’t like dogs, I can’t sing, and my favorite teacher is Mrs. Franzen. She helped shape the first 20 years of my life.
My first vivid memories of school came from her classroom. She called all of us ‘darlings’ and pronounced it with a K at the end.
She had the ability to treat all of us with kindness and respect. I think more than anything, built our self esteem from the ground up and I have carried that throughout my life.
I pursued my Education Degree because of the impact she had on me. I was able to job shadow her and speak to her as an adult. I am so grateful I had the opportunity to tell her how much she meant to me and the difference she made.
She will always be remembered in our family and in my heart.
I love you and thank you Mrs. Franzen!
Jill, I am thankful I was able to know you. Thank you for being so kind and accepting of me, I will miss you and the times we didn’t get to spend. However I will remember and value the time we did have. I promise to look out for Nicole and your grandsons. Rest in peace, you will be in our hearts.
Corona CAI am so grateful for all the years that I had to grow up together and learn from each other. Jill, I will carry you in my heart forever and remember how devoted you were to every thing and everyone in your life. You excelled as a Mother, teacher, daughter, sister and friend in all the goals that you shared with me. I miss you so much and am glad that we spent the last two weeks visiting at Mom’s. Glad you are with God and free of pain and stress. Love you my little sister.
Dearest Nicole and Lindsay,
Your mother was one of the most amazing women I have ever met. I feel blessed that I can call her my friend. I will miss her very much. Last year when I visited her in California, we had a revival of the things we used to do, happy hour, karoake, and talking until the wee hours of the morning. I will now cherish that time I had with her always. Love to you both and your family.
Shelley
Fargo, ND
Mrs Jill,
She was my 7th grade teacher who was an amazing women. I was with Jill on Friday for my birthday.
Nicole & Lindsay I used to babysit you when you were very young.
I will miss her more than anything in this world.
May she rest in peace.
Fargo ND
Jill was a wonderful colleague and friend. We connected well because of similar ideas and experiences professionally and personally. She was a teacher who taught with her heart, and knew all of her students so very well. She was a caring friend who always had time to visit in person or on the phone. I learned a lot just from talking things out with Jill. Jill’s family was very important to her, and it was evident in the way she spoke so very lovingly about her daughters, grandsons, and son-in-law. I will truly miss my great friend. My thoughts and prayers are with all the family. Rest in peace, dear friend.
Temecula CAI love you Mom. I wish we would have had more time. I wish I would have known. I know you will always be with me and I’m trying to find comfort in that. My goal is to be the kind of mother to my boys as you were to us girls. I always tell my boys I love them, like you did us. I hope to always be as caring, kind and patient as you were with us. I miss you and I love you more than you will ever know.
My Auntie Jill was an amazing person. She helped me with life lessons as I was growing up. She also helped me when I struggled with trying to help my children. I love you Auntie Jill. You will be missed. I’m so glad that I was able to have a long conversation with you just before your birthday! You have influenced my life in many ways. I hope that you will rest in peace and no longer have any pain. Watch over us up there. I will up to you for your guidance like you have always given me. I love you!
Jill was a wonderful teacher, mentor and friend! She will truly be missed. Prayers to all of her family.
Jill was always so full of life. She gave me one of her prom dresses when I was a freshman in high school. I remember it like it was yesterday. I loved her laugh and her willingness to share. I am so sorry for your loss and I know God will hold you close during this difficult time. Love and prayers to Jill’s family.
Hillsboro ND
Peace to the family for such a hard lose. No one can ever replace a parent but then again, they are never really gone….. when you look around you will see memories of her. Embrace them.
Fargo ND
I was fortunate to teach with Jill at Clara Barton for three years. We had a great time talking about school, and especially about her grandson and my nephew (born within a few days of each other) and how fast they were growing. We also went out for lunch once a week and had fun talking about all the things bugging us at the time! Jill was a great friend, and a true “meat and potatoes” teacher…her students left third grade fully prepared for the challenges of fourth grade. I know she loved her children, and grandchildren very much. My condolences to the family.
Garrison ND
Had a lot of fun when we were young. She was always full of energy and laughter. Thoughts and prayers.
Fsrgo ND
Lindsey and Nicole, your mother will be missed by many. We are all better people for having known her. I have many special memories to cherish.
Rest in peace, Jill.