Frances M Schacher

Frances Marion Schacher May 19, 1927 – July 29, 2025

With hearts full of love and gratitude, we celebrate the life of Frances “Fran” Marion Schacher, who passed away peacefully at the age of 98, surrounded by her loving family at the Benedictine Center in Bismarck.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, Aug. 2, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck.

Visitation will be held from 5:30-6:30 PM, Friday, Aug. 1, at Parkway Funeral Service. A prayer service will begin at 6:30 PM.

Burial will be held at Riverview Cemetery, Wilton.

Born on May 19, 1927, on the family homestead in Wing, North Dakota, Fran was the youngest child of Theodore and Ida (Lyman) Thorson. She grew up surrounded by the love of her siblings—Ted, Elmer, and Ruth Franklund—and carried the values of kindness, resilience, and humility with her throughout her life.

Fran completed her high school education in Bremerton, Washington, where she moved with her mother for her senior year. After returning to North Dakota, she married Allen Maynard and together they welcomed three beautiful children: Curtis, and identical twin daughters, June and Carol. Though life brought changes, Fran’s strength never wavered. She later moved to Helena, Montana, where she worked as a secretary during the day and attended night school before returning to Bismarck. Following the death of her brother Elmer, Fran became the guardian to her nephews, Steven and Calvin.

Fran’s life took a joyful turn when she met the love of her life, Richard “Dick” Schacher. They married on April 1, 1971, and Fran’s heart grew even fuller as she embraced Dick’s children—Dick Jr., Julie, Jim, and Tom—as her own. Together, Fran and Dick built a warm and welcoming home in Wilton, North Dakota, where she lived until 2021.

Fran dedicated 38 years of her life to Montana-Dakota Utilities (MDU), where she served with grace and diligence as a secretary. She retired in 1994, leaving behind not just a career, but a legacy of professionalism and kindness.

To Fran, family was everything. Her grandchildren were the light of her life—each one a shining star in her world. She celebrated their every milestone, cheered them on through every challenge, and wrapped them in unconditional love. Her eyes would light up at the mention of their names, and her stories were always filled with pride and joy. She often said, “I’ve been blessed with an incredible family,” and she meant every word.

Those who knew Fran will remember her as a gentle soul with a heart full of grace. She never spoke an unkind word, always found the good in others, and approached life with unwavering optimism. She loved to walk, dance, bowl, and play pinochle, but her greatest joy came from simply being with the people she loved.

She is survived by her daughters: June Schlabach of Southbury, CT; Carol (Larrel) Berg of Minot; and Julie (Rod) Flinn of Wilton; and by her sons: Dick Schacher of Wilton, Jim Schacher of Mandan, and Tom (Paige) Schacher of Wilton. Her legacy continues through her 13 beloved grandchildren: Andrea (Tim) Yates, Melissa (Dale) Hurt, Myla (Eric) Buckeye, Steven Berg, Buck (Prisilla) Schacher, Amy Schacher, Jacqueline (David) Flikkema, Tyler (Kristi) Schacher, Heather (Chris) Wetch, Mandi (Jason) Morrissette, Cash Schacher, Corrine (Ian) Schlabach, and Levi Schacher. She was also blessed with 24 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren, and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Fran was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, her beloved husband Dick, her son Curtis, son-in-law Errol, grandson Toby, great-grandson Justin, great-great-grandsons Bennett and Sawyer, and her lifelong best friend, Lola.

Fran’s life was a beautiful example of love, strength, and kindness. Her presence was a gift, and her memory will forever be a blessing to all who knew her.