Frances J. Barker

Frances J. Barker, 85, died Saturday, August 5, 2006 at the Good Shepherd Health Center. A memorial service will be held 11 A.M. Wednesday, August 9, 2006 at the First Congregational Church, 100 1st St. NE with Rev. Jo Frahm-Watkins of the First United Methodist Church officiating. Interment will be at 10 A.M. Thursday (August 10, 2006) in the Hazelwood Cemetery in Grinnell, Iowa. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the First Congregational Church. Fran was born February 15, 1921 in Grinnell, Iowa, the daughter of Charles Morey and Nellie Frances (Cooper) Pilgrim. She grew up in Grinnell, attended school there, and graduated from Grinnell High School in 1938. She married D. Keith Barker May 5, 1942 in Grinnell, Iowa. Together they raised two sons, Douglas A. and Thomas L. Barker. During the course of their marriage they lived in Wallace, ID; Dubuque, Clinton and Oelwein, IA; and Mason City where her husband Keith was the district manager for Interstate Power. Fran was an active member of the First Congregational Church, Chapter KW-PEO, the Mason City Country Club and various other community and social organizations Fran is survived by her sons, Douglas A. Barker and wife Betsy of New Albany, OH, and Thomas L. Barker of Iowa City, IA; cherished granddaughters Jennifer Barker of Milwaukee, WI., Erin Sumpter and husband Ryan of Arlington, VA., and Emily Barker of Rowley, IA; brothers James Pilgrim of Clinton, IA, and Richard Pilgrim and wife Shirley of Nevada, IA; many nieces and one nephew; dear friend Sharon Tiedeman; and adopted family Cathy and Paul Buren and sons of Mason City, IA. Fran was preceded in death by her husband, Keith; parents; son, Richard J. Barker; brother, Charles Pilgrim Jr. and sister, Marilyn Pilgrim; sister-in-law, Doris Pilgrim; and brother-in-law, Bruce Barker. Major Erickson Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements. 641-423-0924. www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com

Visitation:
7:00 AM to 7:00 AM at on August 9, 2006 (map/driving directions) 7:00 AM to 7:00 AM at on August 7, 2006 (map/driving directions)

Service:
11:00 AM at 100 First Street NE on August 9, 2006 (map/driving directions)