Frances "Fran" Jean Tody

Longtime Harvard resident Frances “Fran” Jean Tody passed away on February 15, 2025, at home, at 98, surrounded by her loving family.

Frances was born September 18, 1926, in Ponca, Nebraska, to the Reverend Clyde P. and Alice (Hersch) Karriker.

On December 27, 1952, she married her beloved husband, Fred, at Messiah Lutheran Church in Rockford, IL. Her father officiated the ceremony.

As the daughter of a pastor, Fran spent her early years as a child of God. As a young girl, she moved through several churches, as her father served many congregations. When Fran settled in Harvard in 1951 and began her teaching career, she became a member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Fred and Fran welcomed four children: Kathie Clayton (Dave Hickel), John, Alan (Lisa), and Barbara. These children went on to bless them with grandchildren Robert, Heather (Jodie), Brittany (Ian), Brandon, Andrew, Ryan, Tyler, and Alysse (Vince). The family grew, and Fran became Great-Grandma to her “Littles”—Taelyn, Easton, Tyson, Viston, Emma, Irelyn, Willow, and Saoirse.

Her unwavering faith was evident in the many roles she held in her lifetime. To many, she was Fran: a teacher, 4-H volunteer, Sunday school teacher, reading pair volunteer, and the society editor for the Northwest Herald, including the food column The Dinner Belle. To her sisters and lifelong friends, Frannie.

As a mother to four, a grandmother, and perhaps her most cherished role as a great-grandma, she thrived in family settings. Even in her final days, Fran loved being a matriarch, surrounded by her loved ones. She cherished celebrations, often filled with all four generations present. Her most glorious memories were made with her "Littles" as they played with playdough, engaged in card games, or read books while enjoying cookies or ice cream. She will be greatly missed by all who love her, but she will remain in our hearts forever.

Frances is survived by her sisters Doris, Ruth, and Liz, as well as her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Stephen Thomas, and her husband Fred.

Friends may greet the family from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 22, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 504 East Diggins Street, Harvard. The memorial service will be at 11 a.m. in the church nave, with Rev. Tom Rogers officiating. 

Instead of flowers, memorials can be made to the school Fran’s “Littles” attend, Zion Lutheran School, 412 Jackson Street, Marengo, IL 60152. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.