Frances “Franny” G. Ware, 90, formerly of Esko/Cloquet area, died Thursday, July 19, 2012 in Guardian Angels Care Center, Elk River. She was born April 12, 1922 in Devils Lake, ND to Helmer and Gunhild Nikstad. Franny grew up in Foxboro, WI and resided in the Esko/Cloquet area until 2002 when she moved to Elk River.

Franny liked playing cards, going to the casino, ceramics, knitting, crocheting, and activities with family and friends. She especially enjoyed many winters in Arizona.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Viljo; sisters, Alice Matson, Beulah Nikstad and Beverly Nikstad; and brothers, Orville, Truman, George and Paul Nikstad.

Franny is survived by daughter, Valerie (Craig) Barnes of Maple Grove, MN; grandchildren, Stacey and Joe; sisters, Ellen Smith of Vancouver, WA and Carole Strohman of South Range, WI and numerous extended family members.

Funeral Services were held on Monday, July 23, 2012 in Atkins-Northland Funeral Home, 801 14th Street, Cloquet. Lunch followed in the Fireside Room of the funeral home. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery, Superior, WI.