Frances Jean "Fran" Shimmin, age 93, of Virginia, died Monday January 12, 2026, at Essentia Health in Virginia.  She was born on March 9, 1932, the daughter of Orwell Sr. and Esther (Lindgren) Soper in Superior Wisconsin. Fran graduated from Central High School in Superior, Wisconsin and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in Education.

Fran was a dedicated Elementary teacher for the for 40 years, teaching in  Embarrass, Alango and then Cook; retiring in 1995.  She was a proud member of the Gethsemane Lutheran Church where she was an Associate Pastor in Preaching and gave marvelous Children’s Sermons; was a key member of the Looney Tunes, the Soroptimists, the Sand Lake Board, the Virginia Parks & Rec. Board, and the Red Hat Society.  Fran loved spending time at the cabin on Sand Lake sailing and listening to music.

She is survived by daughter: Joy Shimmin-Olson (Rob) of Minneapolis; Grandchildren: Jana, Andrew (Emma) and Alex; and numerous extended family and friends.

Frances was preceded by: Parents; Husband Bill; Daughter: Linda; Brothers: Orwell Jr, Scott and Tad and Sisters: Esther and Coralee.

A Memorial Service for Fran will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 26, 2026, at Gethsemane Lutheran Church.   A gathering of family and friends will begin at 10:00 a.m.         Spring   Inurnment will be the at Sand Lake Chapel Cemetery.

Family services provided by Bauman-Cron, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia.  To share condolences online, please visit:  www.baumanfuneralhome.com.