Obituary

Frances Jurene Kuper was born on November 3, 1931 to Jerry and Marian Aukes Kuper on her Grandparents' farm near Wellsburg in Grundy County. She, along with her parents, soon moved to a farm SE of Ackley. Frances was baptized on June 2, 1935 in the West Friesland Church. She accepted Jesus as her Savior in March 1946. She went home to her Savior on Sunday, January 8th in the comfort of her home and in her sleep.
She received her education in the country school of German #5 in Grundy County and 2 years of high school in Ackley. She then worked as a hired girl until she married Harold Meinders on November 6, 1949 at the Congregational Church in Osage. Frances became a member of the Dumont Reformed Church in March 1950. Harold worked at the Dumont elevator and they soon started farming and having their family. Their marriage was blessed with 8 children. Along with happy times, they suffered heartbreak by losing their infant daughter Julie in a house fire in April 1967. After the fire, they picked up their family and moved to Osage and bought a farm from Jerry and Marian. In November 1970, the family again suffered another loss when their son Lynn died in an auto accident.
They bought the Drug Store in Dumont, more popularly known as "Meinders Variety" which Frances managed for 12 ½ years. Frances was a dedicated wife, loving mother to 8 children, hard working farm wife, nursemaid, teacher, seamstress, chauffeur, and cheerleader for her family. She also taught Sunday School, Bible School and was a choir member for over 48 years. As if that didn't keep her busy enough, she drove school bus, babysat, and worked occasionally at the Red Fox Inn during horse sales , and part time at the Dumont Care Center until her Rheumatoid Arthritis forced her to quit. Her church was an important part of her life and she was a member of Dorcas and then the RCW all of her married life holding offices at various times. She was also a member of the Dumont Development board for many years, and a Legion Auxiliary member in Dumont. Frances will also be remembered as the "key holder" for the Dumont Legion Hall for numerous years, which she just recently gave up when she moved to Hampton. She also had a fond spot in her heart for the Red Hat Ladies and their activities.
Frances was united in marriage to Lester Severs in July 2006. They enjoyed spending time traveling marking trips to Hawaii, Germany, Texas and Arizona. They also enjoyed dancing at the Senior Citizens' events. Lester and Frances recently moved to a different home in Hampton helping to ease her ability to be mobile.
Frances is survived by her husband Lester Severs of Hampton; six children; LaDonna (Larry) Estal of Reeds Springs Mo; Keith (Becky Jo) Meinders of Osage; Steve (Sue) Meinders of Kearney, Mo; Marcia (Randy) Lunn of Maplewood, Mo; Verla (Dale) Pecha of Dumont; and Mari (Kirk) Petersen of Hampton.
Fourteen grandchildren; Jason(Tina) Estal; Matthew (Katie) Estal; Lorinda (Jason) Sedillo; Shanlyn (Adam) Doll; Judd Meinders; Jared (Sandy) and Alex Meinders; Wendy(Darren) Malcolm; Joshua Pecha; Rachel (Tyson) Burton; Dustin and Kelsey Schwab, Kendra and Hannah Petersen.
Fourteen great grandchildren; Haley, Lucas, Evan, Caleb, Nicholas, Joel, Madison, Jamison, Adam, Max, Brevin, Jaeley, Parker and Ava, plus 3 more due this year.
She is also survived by three brothers and one sister; Melvin (Vera) Kuper of Romeo IL; Beverly Hansen of Salem OR; Gary (Eloise) Kuper and Myron (Sue) Kuper both from Osage; 2 sisters-in-law, Edna Reiners of Dumont and Phyllis Card of Hampton, and one brother in law, Duane Seibert of Rockford; and 2 aunts, Iva Terry and Mildred Kuper Huisman. Frances' life was also blessed by the special friendship from Louise Buseman who could always be counted on for a special visit or phone call especially in the last several months.
Also, many nieces, nephews and cousins, and friends too many to mention.
Frances was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Harold, in December 2001; son Lynn, and daughter Julie Ann; her parents, a brother and an infant sister.

**The family wishes to thank everyone who are sharing in this Celebration of Life for Frances. Her 80th birthday party in November was such a joyful event and she enjoyed all the heartwarming hugs, cards and visits. Frances had a tough summer and fall, but she truly lived the motto "If He brings you to it, He will bring you through it," which He did time and time again. But now, her frail little body and weak heart were too much to go on. Her physical life has been cut short on Earth, but her spiritual life will live on forever in the love of her family. She is now at rest and will never have to worry about her health again. She is now pain free and can walk again and run into the arms of Jesus, her Lord and Savior and the rest of our family can now have her for Eternal life.

Burial will take place at the Dumont Cemetery in Dumont, Iowa

Photo Gallery Of Frances Meinders Severs