Frances Irene Robeson, 97, beloved mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, died peacefully on October 24, 2026 at Norris Square in Cottage Grove.
She was born in rural Scotland County, MO, the daughter of Orlo and Irene Summers. Frances was married for 59 years to Carl Robeson, who died in 2009. They began their married life in Kansas City, then moved to Inver Grove Heights, Hampton and Hastings, Minnesota. For 25 years, she was a secretary in the superintendent’s office of Inver Grove Heights schools.
To Frances, also known as Fran, family came first. She was strong and resolute yet always gentle, kind and loving. She was a role model and calming influence who always had time to listen.
Her grandchildren and niece, Julie Roy, adored her. She loved spending time with them, making memories and having fun. She was adventurous, traveling to Europe for the first time after turning 50. When her grandchildren were teens, she traveled with each one to a place of their choosing.
Frances loved horses, dogs and cats. She appreciated the simple pleasures of life and found joy in the hobbies she loved. Whether attending harness horse races, spending time on the golf course, enjoying a game of bridge, doing puzzles, participating in the United Methodist Women’s group, or knitting and crocheting.
Survivors include daughters Anita Robeson (Jerome Johnson) and Michele Stoffel (Dan); grandchildren David Stoffel (Missy Whirry), Nicole Filler (Dustin), Alex Johnson and Drew Johnson; great-grandchildren Riley, Kenzie, Kaleb, Maddy, Darik and Dannielle; and three great-great grandchildren.
A private burial will be held at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Inver Grove Heights. A Celebration of Frances’s Life will be held on May 30, 2027 in Hastings, MN. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to This Old Horse https://www.thisoldhorse.org/