Francis (Fran) Edwin Northon

Francis (Fran) Edwin Northon, aged 85, passed away peacefully on January 24th, 2024. Fran was raised on his parent’s dairy farm near Clare, MI where he attended school in a one-room schoolhouse through the 8th grade and then attended Clare High School, where he was a member of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) and the Junior National Rifle Club (Jr. NRA). He obtained a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering at Michigan Tech in June of 1960. He later became a Registered Professional Engineer.

Fran was employed at the Gardener-Denver Company in Grand Haven, MI, where he met Patricia (Pat) McMaster; they married on March 25th, 1961. Shortly after marrying Pat, he was drafted into the US Army. After basic training in Fort Knox, he was sent to the Yuma Testing Station in Yuma, AZ. Fran remained at the Yuma Proving Ground as a Department of Army civilian for 31 years. During this time, they raised three children: Bentley, Janis, and Lynda.

Fran was an elder at Sierra Vista Presbyterian Church and played on the Praise Team; was active in dune bugging, photography, sailing, camping, and wood-working; played electric guitar in a big band; was a member of the organ club and served as treasurer for the Yuma Orchestra Association for years.

In 2008, Fran and Pat moved to Hinton, IA, to be near family. He joined the Wesley Global Methodist Church, was an active cook for a weekly senior’s lunch, and remained on the church Praise Team. Always an avid hobbyist, Fran’s latest hobbies were wood carving, baking, and gardening.

Fran is survived by his wife, Patricia; his son, Bentley (wife, Lori), daughters Janis and Lynda (husband, Brad); his sister, Emily Mester; and his grandchildren, Tyler and Haley. He is preceded in death by his parents, Otis and Rose, and his brother, Wallace.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Wesley Global Methodist Church or Hospice.

A Celebration of Life for Fran will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Wesley Global Methodist Church in Sioux City with Pastor Todd Schlitter officiating. The family will greet friends starting at 10:30 a.m.