February 15, 1955 ~ July 19, 2025 (age 70)
Connie Rose Frana, 70, of Ridgeway, Iowa, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2025, surrounded by her loving family after a nearly two-year courageous battle with cancer. Born on February 15, 1955, in Cresco, Iowa, Connie was the daughter of the late Greg and Hilda (Hageman) Gehling. She grew up on a farm outside of Cresco until age 13, when she and her parents moved into town.
Connie met her future husband, Tom, at the Howard County Fair—both along for the ride on someone else’s date. While that original match didn’t last, it was the beginning of a perfect love story for Connie and Tom. After high school, their relationship continued to grow. Tom went on to attend mechanical trade school in Minneapolis, Minnesota, while Connie studied to become a legal secretary in Mason City, Iowa. On April 12, 1975, they were married at St. Joseph Catholic Church (now Notre Dame Parish) in Cresco. The newlyweds began their life together renting a farm, and in 1977, they purchased a farm where they raised their three children.
Connie lived a life rooted in love, faith, and service. With a kind heart and generous spirit, she touched many people’s lives including family, friends, and parishioners.
She is survived by her devoted husband of over 50 years, Tom Frana; her children: Amber (Jim) Earles, Greg (Sheena) Frana, and Emily (Nick) Heeren; and her beloved grandchildren: Sienna, Connor, and Penny Earles; Cloe and Cael Frana; and Graham and Scarlett Heeren.
Connie is also survived by her siblings: Fr. Ken Gehling, Jim (Lydia) Gehling, Gerry (Marian) Gehling, Vince Gehling, and Sr. Patricia Gehling, SSND, and many beloved in-laws and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Greg and Hilda Gehling, sister-in-law, Colleen Gehling, brother-in-law Ronald Frana, sister-in-law, Lavonne Prochaska, and mother and father-in-law Alice and Raymond Frana.
Connie was known for her warmth, organization, and thoughtful nature. She loved quilting and created meaningful keepsakes for her children and grandchildren. She never missed a birthday or anniversary, always making others feel remembered and celebrated.
One of her greatest joys was hosting family gatherings—holidays and special occasions filled with laughter, love, and enough food to feed an army.
Nothing made her happier than a house full of those she loved.
A woman of deep faith, Connie lived her values every day, including through her nearly 30 years of dedicated service in the parish office.
Above all, she was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Her legacy lives on in the memories she created and the love she shared so freely.
Visitation will be held from 4-7PM at Notre Dame Parish on Tuesday, July 22nd. The funeral Mass will be at Notre Dame Parish at 11AM on Wednesday, July 23rd, with visitation one hour prior. Burial will follow at Calvary cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Notre Dame Parish.
Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home is assisting the family.
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