Archived Services

Francis Maierhauser
08-24-2010

Francis "Fran" E. Maierhauser, 90, passed away August 24, 2010 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. She was born on October 4, 1919 to Joe and Elizabeth (Maher) Dougherty on the family farm in Lac Que Parle County, Minnesota. Her family moved to Sioux Falls where Fran graduated from Cathedral High School. She pursued her goal of becoming a teacher receiving a Bachelor of Arts at Sioux Falls College. She began her teaching career in several South Dakota communities including Irene, Alcester, and Gayville, SD as a math instructor. She married Francis J. (Maier) Maierhauser December 28, 1950. They moved back to Sioux Falls in 1955 and she joined the Sioux Valley Rural Electric organization as a Home Economics Representative. After working in the Home Economics area for a while, her passion for education lured her back to academic studies in Brookings at SDSU, working full time while completing her Masters degree in Home Economics. Upon completion of the graduate program she accepted a position with Kentucky Rural Electric Company in Louisville in 1967. She became the Editor of and received awards for her work on the Kentucky Home Electric magazine which circulated ideas, tips, news, and activities to customer/members. She became good friends with Nellie Meadows, a local artist in the area, who Fran featured in the magazine. She collected several floral prints which Nellie personally signed. Fran retired in 1979. Fran and Maier moved back to Sioux Falls in 1992. She continued her interest in crafts and stayed active in church groups. She was able to get re-acquainted with old friends and new in their moves from apartments to assisted living facilities. Fran enjoyed her 90th birthday in Hurley, SD before moving to The Good Samaritan Home in Lennox, and then Centerville after health issues required additional nursing care. Fran had a great commitment to young adults, especially her cousins' children. She generously opened their house in Brookings to several students who needed a place to stay while attending college. Her support and encouragement was given freely and in a loving way. She was a role model for these young people, both as a working professional and as a loving, Christian person. Karen Fitzpatrick-Miller, Bob Thoen, AnnaRose Hartke, and Karen Thoen Ortman were among the young students who benefited from Fran's love and generosity. Fran is survived by her husband, Francis J. Maierhauser, one niece, Ann Harnes, two nephews, Joe Dougherty, John Dougherty, her husband's nephew, Joe Maierhauser, special friends, Brett LaCroix and Whitney LaCroix, and relatives. Visitation will be Thursday, 5 PM at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home with a Scripture Vigil at 7 PM followed by the Rosary. A Funeral Service will be Friday, 1 PM at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home.