Frances Lux
Frances Lux, 93, of Aberdeen, SD, passed away Sunday, May 12, 2024, at Bethesda Home of Aberdeen.
Frances “Fran” A. Nikolas was born on October 18, 1930, to Andrew and Magdalena (Krumm) Nikolas in Aberdeen, SD. She attended St. Mary’s Parochial School, Monroe Jr. High, and Aberdeen Central High School, from which she graduated in 1948. Frances worked at Jobbers Warehouse as a bookkeeper.
Fran was united in marriage to Harold “Gene” E. Lux on May 29, 1954, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Fran and Gene brought five beautiful children into this world: Kristie, Jeff, Brian, Kelly, and Shari. Fran cherished her role as a homemaker and mother to her five children, finding immense joy and fulfillment in staying home to raise them. Her dedication to her family's well-being was unwavering, and she managed the household with grace and care.
Alongside her roles as a loving mom and wife, Fran was a lifelong, faithful member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Fran also volunteered for many years at St. Mary's and then at Roncalli Nearly New. She loved her Tuesday Ladies who volunteered with her there. Fran also worked at JCPenney's for many years, where she made many great friends. As Fran would say, “I lived a full life!”
Fran loved and was so proud of her children and especially her grandchildren. She faced immense heartbreak when she lost her son Kelly in a tragic accident. Despite her grief, she remained a pillar of love and support for Kelly's widow, Patti, her now husband, Jon Mesmer, and their children, Luke, Jenny, and Sam. Fran continued to pray for them and include them as part of her family, cherishing and nurturing these bonds.
Grateful for having shared Frances’ life are her husband, Gene Lux of Aberdeen, SD; children: Kristie (Scott) Bohnenkamp of Keller, TX, Jeff (Sally) Lux of Aberdeen, SD, Brian (Lois) Lux of Webster, SD, and Shari (Scott) Dix of Pensacola, FL; grandchildren: Nik, Anna, Joy, Tanner, Spencer, Josh, Amanda, and Jared; six great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Frances was preceded in death by her parents; son, Kelly; brothers, Joe Nikolas and George Nikolas; sisters, Mary Ochs, Blondie Derzab, and Betty Farthing; and grandson, Carter.