Frances Marcia Blakestad, 89, of Albert Lea, Minnesota, died Thursday, March 29, 2018, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea.

Frances Marcia Blakestad was born Dec. 27, 1928, in Owatonna, Minnesota, the daughter of Joseph and Dorothy (Houdek) Renchin. She grew up near Hayfield, Minnesota, and graduated from Hayfield High School. After graduation, she attended beauty school. On Nov. 14, 1949, Fran was united in marriage to Irvin ‘Roger’ Engen in Hayfield. To this union, one son was born. Roger died in a plane crash in 1951. On Dec. 27, 1952, she was united in marriage to Roger Blakestad at St. Theodore Catholic Church. To this union, three daughters were born. Fran worked as a beautician for 69 continuous years at various nursing homes and a shop in her basement until the time of her passing. She was a member of St. Theodore Catholic Church, where she had been active in guild, and a past member of the Eagles. Fran loved the outdoors, especially her flowers and gardening, cleaning her home, reading and solving puzzles.

Fran is survived by her children, John (Susan) Engen, Carol Blakestad, Cathy (Curt) Rebelein and Cindy (Roger) Beinhorn; grandchildren, Melissa (Shane) Engen-Bundy, John Mickelson, Shane (Suzie) Engen, Jason (Jennifer Wickett) Engen, Sheena (Jeremy) Otto, Trisha (Chuck Deye) Blakestad, Curt Jr. (Beth) Rebelein, Chris (Kala) Rebelein, Catie (Eric) Kirkholm, Tim (Kelsey Perry) Beinhorn and Becky (Cory) Rislov; many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Theresa Kasper, Margaret Koziolek, Alice Arnold, and Rosemary Besch; sister-in-law, JoAnne Williamson; brothers-in-law, Vernon Ginder and Ronald (Bonnie) Rasmussen; and many nieces and nephews.

Fran was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Irvin ‘Roger’ Engen and Roger Blakestad; Carol’s special friend, Fred Hockenhull; siblings, Dorothy (Bob) Virnig, David (Alleen) Renchin and Sylvia Ginder; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Jim Kasper, Kenny Arnold, Francis Koziolek, Jerome Besch, LaVerne (Mae) Blakestad and Bernard Williamson; father-in-law, Irvin Engen; mother-in-law, Lillian Engen Rasmussen; stepfather-in-law, Ole Rasmussen; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Raymond and Tilleen Blakestad.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 3, 2018, at St. Theodore Catholic Church with Father Kurt Farrell officiating. A rosary will be held at 10 a.m. before the service. Visitation will be from 5-7:30 p.m. on Monday, April 2 at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home and from 10 a.m. until the start of service at the church on Tuesday. Online condolences are welcome at www.bayviewfuneral.com.