April 10, 1925 ~ Dec. 7, 2023
Frances Winifred (O’Brien) Fessler was born to George Lawrence O’Brien and Sara Theresa (Britt) O’Brien on April 10, 1925, in the same home her father was born in, in Bennett Township, Grafton, NE. She passed away at Heritage Crossings Nursing Home in Geneva on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, at the age of 98 years, 7 months, and 27 days.
Frances was the second oldest of eight children in the family. Frances grew up in the Grafton Community. She was 12 years old when her father died from cancer. Frances was the oldest of seven surviving children. She attended rural grade school at School District No. 61 in Fillmore County which was known as the ‘O’Brien School’ that her grandfather, John O’Brien, Sr. had attended with his children. Her grandfather had come to America from Ireland. Frances graduated from Geneva High School with the class of 1942. After graduation, she worked in the AAA office and the Fillmore County Extension Office for four years at Geneva. For numerous years, she assisted with the farm operation wherever and whenever needed.
She was married to Darrell Wayne Fessler of Sutton on September 17, 1946, at St. Helena Catholic Church in Grafton. To this union six children were born. She lived on the same farm for 70 years, moving there in November of 1949 until December of 2019 when she entered Heritage Crossing Nursing Home in Geneva. She remained at Heritage Crossing until her death.
Frances was a lifelong member of St. Helena Catholic Church in Grafton where she was baptized, confirmed, and married. She was an active member of St. Helena Catholic Altar Society and Circle, holding many different offices and serving as president for several terms. She was also a Fillmore County Hospital Auxiliary Member, a member of Inland Extension Club for over 50 years, 4-H leader, past teacher of Catechism at St. Helena Catholic Church, Fillmore County Hospital Auxiliary Member, past member of Women Involved in Farm Economics, worked on the Fillmore County Election Board for many years, member of Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary Hastings Aerie 592, and past Crosier Lay Apostolate Member. She enjoyed taking part in community activities including her coffee and bridge groups. She and Darrell enjoyed traveling to various places including Western Europe, Hawaii, numerous states and also to Canada to visit relatives. Frances traveled to all the states except Alaska. In her later years she especially enjoyed visiting her grandparent’s native country of Ireland with several relatives. She also liked photography, and had a collection of spoons, bells and fans. Frances loved the annual O’Brien Reunion and worked with everyone to keep it going. She delighted in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and tried to attend their various activities. She also took an active part in the family farm and enjoyed the life that it provided for her and the family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Darrell Wayne Fessler, on January 9, 1979; son William (Billy) Earl Fessler on January 28, 1970; her parents, George Lawrence O’Brien in January of 1938 and Sara Theresa (Britt) O’Brien in May of 1974; infant sister Theresa Ester in 1924; sisters, Mary McCarthy in 1991, Helen Jennett in 2005, and Kathleen Bender in 2009; brothers, Lawrence O’Brien in 2011, Michael O’Brien in 2012, John O’Brien in 2013; father-in-law and mother-in-law Dewey & Lola Fessler; brothers-in-law Eugene Jennett, James McCarthy, George Bender, Earl Hammel, and Richard Hilton; sisters-in-law Mary O’Brien, Mildred Hammel, and Merrien Harmon. Frances also enjoyed the special friendship of Arden Chamberlin for several years.
She is survived by daughters Mrs. Betty Boitnott and husband, John, of Hebron, and Mrs. Delores DuBois and husband, Glenn, of IA; sons Robert Fessler and wife, Mary, of Sutton, James Fessler and wife, Mary, of Lincoln, and Richard Fessler and wife, Carol, of Grafton; 13 grandchildren including Jarrod Boitnott of Firth, NE, Jason Boitnott and wife, Wendy, of Nehawka, NE, Amy (DuBois) Sterling and husband, Joshua, of Ankeny, IA, Eric DuBois and wife, Romney, of Atsugi, Shi, Japan (Navy), Brian DuBois and wife, Laureen, of Kansas City, MO, Darin Fessler and wife, Ashley, of Lincoln, Tracy (Fessler) Galusha and husband, Jack, of Grafton, Curtis Fessler and wife, Helen, of Hamilton, MT, Kyle Fessler of Lincoln, Krystal (Fessler) Betts and husband, Darren, of Omaha, Chelsea Fessler of Stromsburg, Shane Fessler of Shickley, and Michelle Fessler of Grafton; and 22 great-grandchildren including Bailey and Bryn Boitnott, Ashley and Jack Sterling, Olivia and Owen DuBois, Dylan and Darryn DuBois, Hayden and Carter Fessler, Ally, Hannah, Johnny and Emily Galusha, Lucas, Ryan and Zac Fessler, Maddox and Knight Fessler, Clara and Hazel Betts and soon-to-be-born great-grandchild Betts; sistersin- law Christen O’Brien of Yankton, SD, Donna O’Brien of Fairmont, and Judy Fessler of Kearney; brother-in-law, Duane Fessler, of Eagle Rock, MO; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and other friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023 at St. Helena Catholic Church in Grafton. Father Michael Zimmer presided over the Mass. A Rosary was prayed on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Helena Catholic Church.
A Graveside Service was held in the Sutton Cemetery immediately following the Mass.
Memorials are suggested to the Fillmore County Hospital Foundation, St. Helena Catholic Church, or Grafton Fire & Rescue.
Farmer & Son Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements and online condolences can be left at www.farmerandsonfuneralhome. com
