A Celebration of Life Service for Evelyn Fransen, age 94, of Jackson, will be held Saturday, April 4th at 10:30 AM at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Jackson. The service will be livestreamed on the Our Saviors Lutheran Church Facebook page. Burial will be held in Sunset Cemetery.

A visitation for Evelyn will be held on Friday, April 3rd from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the LaCanne Family Celebration of Life Center in Jackson. Visitation will continue Saturday at Our Saviors Lutheran Church for one hour prior to the service.

Evelyn's wishes were for memorials to be directed to Our Saviors Lutheran Church or to Jackson American Legion Auxiliary Unit #130.

Evelyn Mae Baldwin was born on January 5, 1932, in Elm Creek Township, Martin County, Minnesota to Ralph and Gladys (Phillipp) Baldwin. She attended District 52 until her family moved to a farm north of Jackson when she was in the sixth grade. A 1950 graduate of Jackson High School, Evie began her working life at the Highway Lunch and Jackson Drug, where she developed the work ethic and hospitality that would define her life.

On May 29, 1954, Evie married Leland "Teel" Fransen at Our Savior's Lutheran Church. Together, they raised four boys who were never without a home-cooked meal. In marrying a farmer, she embraced a lifestyle she knew well, one rooted in hard work, unwavering dedication, and the many unknowns of life on the land. She was an integral partner in the farming operation; long after retirement, she could still be found watching the skies and grain prices, worrying over too much rain or too little.

Evie truly loved the farm and was famous for the countless lunches she carried out to the men in the fields. Her fried egg sandwich was Teel's favorite, always lovingly packed and accompanied by something sweet.

Evie was a master in the kitchen, and her holiday dinners were unmatched; her family often marveled at her ability to coordinate a massive feast so that every dish was ready at the exact same moment. She took immense pride in her tidy home, where dust never stood a chance, and greeted every guest with a blend of grace and joy. Her personal favorite to serve was a classic roast beef dinner followed by her signature sour cream raisin pie.

Beyond the home, Evie was a pillar of the Jackson community. She was a valued member of her local bowling league, Card Club, and the Women's Legion Auxiliary Unit 130, where she proudly served twice as President. At Our Savior's Lutheran Church, she was a "Lutheran Kitchen Legend," devoted to making quilts in the Workshop, teaching Sunday School, attending Ladies Aid Bible Studies, and preparing lefse for the annual lutefisk dinners.

Evie and Teel shared a love for travel, whether they were on fishing trips, visiting their sons across the country, or connecting with family in Sweden. In 2000, they moved into town, where their home became a central hub for their grandchildren. Their basement became a "teenager haven"—complete with a pool table, TV, and an endless supply of snacks.

A passionate sports fan, Evie spent decades attending, watching, and listening to games. She and Teel put on many miles traveling near and far to support their grandchildren in their various sports, and she remained a dedicated follower of high school, college, and professional athletics until her passing.

To those who knew her, Evie was the definition of a reliable friend. She was someone who could always be counted on to help those in need, volunteer her time, and see any task through to completion.

Evelyn passed away peacefully with family by her side on Wednesday, March 25th.

She is survived by her four children, Craig (Kathleen) Fransen, Steven (Janice) Fransen, Bradley (Debbie) Fransen, Thomas (Shan) Fransen; six grandchildren, Micah (Jennifer) Fransen, Bethany (Tyshawn Bailey) Fransen, Hanna (Caleb) Rossow, Tyler (Kali) Fransen, Sam (Meghan) Fransen, Paige (Andrew) Butler; twelve great-grandchildren, Elin, Haydyn, James, Julia, Ava, Ingrid, Karl, Rhett, Jackson, Eli, Bennett, Greta; siblings, Jerald (Pat) Baldwin, Rhonda Withers; and sister-in-law Delores Hauge.

Evie is preceded in death by her husband, Leland "Teel" Fransen; parents, Ralph and Gladys Baldwin; siblings, Marilyn (Donald) Dahlin, Bonnie (Lyle) Bergendahl; parents-in-law, Carl and Hannah Fransen; in-laws, Kenneth (Donna) Fransen, Russell (Merva) Fransen, Ardith (Leroy) Hansen, Allen Hauge.

She leaves behind a legacy of service, a full table, and a family who will forever cherish her memory.