Frances F. Kuyper Obituary

Frances F. Kuyper, 87, went home to be with her Lord suddenly and peacefully on October 24, 2012. Her vision and her knees gave her trouble here but now she sees clearly and moves freely about. Fran was born on May 3, 1925 in Bryan, TX to Dr. Charles E. Friley and Vera Foreman Friley, joining two brothers, Chuck and Bill. Her father was the Dean of Arts and Science at Texas A & M, and in 1933, he moved the family to Ames, IA where he was the Dean of Science, then became the President of Iowa State College, now ISU. Dr. and Mrs. Friley instilled in their children morally sound ethics and a deep appreciation for education and the arts. Fran attended ISC and graduated with a degree in history and government. She got her pilot's license and with a group of others formed a flying club and owned their own plane. While at Ames Fran's adventurous spirit caught the eye of an engineering student, H. Stuart Kuyper. Stu and Fran were married in 1949 and made their home in Pella, IA where they raised 3 children, Ann, Peter and Carol. Fran was involved with the Garden Club, enjoyed swimming, traveling and developed lifelong friendships. In 1978 Fran moved to Green Mountain Falls, CO, near her son and daughter-in-law. She began a career in real estate as a salesperson and a broker. Fran re-ignited her passion for history and became involved with local historical societies. She volunteered in various and sundry organizations. Fran was able to be involved in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and developed more lifelong friendships. She loved to read and was a storehouse of knowledge and trivia. She was passionate about freedoms, especially the Second Amendment and college football. Fran had a great respect for her fellow man, was interested in various cultures and had compassion for the hurting, oppressed and less fortunate. Fran was fun and had a quick wit. She will be missed by family and friends but will be remembered with a smile and gratitude for having known her. Fran was preceded in death by her brothers, Chuck and Bill, and her daughter, Ann. She is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Pete and Jackie Kuyper, daughter Carol Rosenberg, 5 grandchildren, Michael Kuyper (Jill), Chris Kuyper (Erin), Bryce Kuyper, Richard Rosenberg, Angela Rosenberg, and 3 great-grandsons, Camden, Timothy and Daniel, sister-in law Joan Farver, and many nieces and nephews. A private memorial service will be held by the family in the future.