Fran Pletcher, 76

Fran Pletcher, 76, passed away surrounded by her loving family members on Mother’s Day, May 12, 2024.

She was born in 1948, in Grafton, North Dakota, to Stanley and Lorraine Czapiewski. She was the eldest of four children. Fran spent her youth in Grafton and graduated high school in 1966. 

Fran met Jack Pletcher in Grafton, and they were inseparable from that moment on. Fran and Jack married in 1966 and spent 53 years together before his passing in 2020. They welcomed their son, David in 1969 and daughter, Stacey in 1971. A job with the Columbia Falls Aluminum Plant brought them to Columbia Falls, where they made their home until the day of her passing. 

She was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a homemaker, an excellent cook and always made sure nobody went hungry. She was very caring and kindhearted. She loved to take care of her grandchildren and watch them grow into the wonderful people they are today. Her great-grandchildren were the light of her life. She had a special place in everyone’s heart that knew her and will be deeply missed. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack; her parents, Stanley and Lorraine. 

She is survived by her son, David (Anita), her daughter, Stacey Salmonsen (Billy), her five grandchildren, Tanner, Kodi, Tucker, Zack (Bailey) and Tori; four great-grandchildren, Noah, Adison, Jaxon and Bowen. She is also survived by her sisters, Diane and Elaine; brother Dennis (Norma), and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. 

A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, at Fairview Cemetery in Columbia Falls. At the conclusion of the service, a celebration of life will follow at 760 Trap Road, Columbia Falls. Darlington Cremation and Burial Service is caring for the family and handling the arrangements.