Frances Fran Sorvig, 55, died Thursday, August 6, 2009 surrounded by her family at her residence in Thief River Falls, MN following a courageous battle with cancer.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, August 10, 2009 at St. Bernards Catholic Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Father Rick Lambert presiding. Burial will follow at St. Bernards Cemetery in Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service on Sunday, August 9, 2009 at Johnson Funeral Service. Visitation will also be held from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM on Monday at church.

Frances Rose Chwialkowski was born December 23, 1953 in Karlstad, MN the daughter of Frank and Regina (Kurowski) Chwialkowski. She was baptized at Assumption Catholic Church in Florian, MN and confirmed at St. Peter & Paul Catholic Church Warren, MN.

She attended Strandquist Elementary through 6th grade, 7th grade attended in Argyle at St. Rose of Lima, then moved to Warren, MN where she graduated from high school in 1971. After graduation, Fran moved to Thief River Falls and worked as a nurses aide at Northwest Medical Center. Fran attended the AVTI for Dental Assisting at Bemidji, MN graduating in 1973 as a Registered and Certified Dental Assistant. She returned to Thief River Falls to work at the hospital until finding a Dental Assistant job for Falls Dental Office and later for Dr. Kiesz.

On July 26, 1980, Fran was united in marriage to David Paul Sorvig at St. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Warren, MN. The couple made their home in St. Hilaire, MN until the summer of 1992 when they moved to Thief River Falls. To this union two children were born, Jennifer and Bryan.

In the early 1980s, Fran started a daycare at home. A few years later she worked at Digi-Key in the filing and accounts receivable department, and in 1995 she retired due to her illness.

Fran enjoyed spending time at Lake-of-the-woods fishing. She also enjoyed bowling, scrapbooking, playing card games, spending time with family and friends, and going on family vacations with the children. Lately, she enjoyed spending time at their new cabin at Maple Lake.

Fran was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls and was currently a member of St. Bernards Catholic Church in Thief River Falls. She was active with the Christian Womens group and enjoyed volunteering at Knox Elementary when Jennifer and Bryan were there.

Survivors include her husband, David of Thief River Falls; daughter, Jennifer Sorvig of St. Hilaire; son, Bryan (Chelsey) Sorvig of Thief River Falls; mother, Regina Chwialkowski of Stephen, MN; brothers, Robert (Diane) Chwialkowski of Argyle, MN and Rodney (Geri) Chwialkowski of Champlin, MN; sisters, Kathy (Merlin) Boe of Viking, MN, Jane (Ron) Jensen of Stephen, MN and Doreen (Ralph) Felts of Bemidji, MN; she is also survived by many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her father, Frank Chwialkowski; both sets of grandparents; and many aunts and uncles.

ORGANIST: Kristi LaSalle
CANTOR: Shelly Burkel
CASKETBEARERS: Jeff Chwialkowski, Jay Chwialkowski, Joel Chwialkowski, Kevin Boe, Kilen Boe, Keith Boe, Cody Sorvig & Nathan Jensen
HONORARY CASKETBEARERS: Carl & Jane Unbehaun & family, Tom & Barb Molskness & family, Edie Brandli, Bruce Saustad, Lana Christianson, Judy & Randy Adamson & family