Frances “Fran” (Mareck) Blommel

Frances “Fran” (Mareck) Blommel, 98, lifelong resident of Albany, passed away peacefully March 12, 2023, at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, surrounded by her loving family.

A Mass of Christian Burial was March 18 at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany. Interment was at Seven Dolors Parish Cemetery.

Fran was born June 1, 1924, in Albany, the daughter of John and Eleonora (Stueve) Stangler. She was raised and educated in Albany.  During WWII, Fran assisted with the war efforts by making parts for planes at Cargill in St. Cloud. On June 26, 1945, she was united in marriage to Stephen Mareck. The couple was blessed with six children before he passed away Oct. 5, 1958.  On Nov. 30, 1968, Fran married Joe Blommel.

In addition to raising her family and working on the farm, Fran was employed by Stearns Industries for a year before she dedicated 20 years to the Albany Area Senior High School.  She retired in 1990.

Fran’s faith was very important to her. She was a member of the St. Francis Cabrini Mission Group for more than 50 years. She also volunteered her time with the Christian Mothers, St. Ann’s, American Legion Auxiliary, VFW Auxiliary, Mother of Mercy Nursing Home Auxiliary and Meals on Wheels.  For more than 20 years, Fran co-chaired the Quilting Group.

Fran used her talent to create many quilts and embroidery items. Many family members were gifted and blessed to have a quilt made by her. She also liked to paint ceramics and read. She and Joe spent many nights bowling and playing cards. Fran was known for her apple pies and homemade jellies.

Nothing was more important to Fran than her faith and her family. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially when travel was involved. She was grateful for her time spent on trips across the USA and Europe, specifically her pilgrimage to Italy.

She will be missed by her children, Dennis (Marcy) Mareck and David (Darlene) Mareck, both of Albany, Kathy (Ralph) Schmitz, of Sauk Rapids, Sharon (Ron) Spanier, of St. Augusta, and Steve (Theresea) Mareck, of St. Cloud; daughter-in-law Kathy Mareck, of Chanhassen; 21 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren; three (and a half) great-great-grandchildren; and sisters-in-law Alice and Judy Stangler.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands Stephen Mareck (1958) and Joe Blommel (2020); son Marvin; grandchildren Michael and Ann; and siblings Magdalene, Edmund, Lorraine, Jerome, Ambrose, John, Rosemary, Sylvester, Al and Elmer.

Fran’s family is so grateful for the wonderful care provided by Dr. Libby Brever and also the staff at Mother of Mercy Assisted Living.

Fran’s family would appreciate memorials being sent to Poor Clares Monastery (https://poorclares.stcdio.org), Mother of Mercy in Albany or Holy Family Catholic School in Albany.

Nelson-Doran Funeral Home, www.nelson-doran.com, 218-829-4755.

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