Frances Henrietta (Bates) Eischens

May 2, 1932-April 27, 2019

Frances Henrietta (Bates) Eischens, age 86, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 27, 2019, surrounded by family. She was born on May 2, 1932 in Wyandotte, Michigan to Frank Lee and Henrietta (Bruns) Bates. Frances attended a one-room grade school in Two Inlets, Minnesota, and graduated from Park Rapids High School. On June 2, 1951, she married George John Eischens in Great Falls, Montana. Together, they had six children.

Frances’ life was anchored in her Roman Catholic faith and centered on her love of her husband and family, and service to the community. Although raised in Minnesota, Frances spent most of her adult life in Alaska, first on Adak in the Aleutian Chain, and later in Anchorage, before retiring to Homer. She also briefly lived in Minnesota and Iceland. She shared her love and kept the family connected, regardless of where in the world they lived. She served the nation as a finance and accounting professional, and her community as a Catholic parish council member and school board member. Frances served in the Coast Guard Auxiliary, 17th District, Homer Flotilla, most notably as Flotilla Commander and District Finance Officer.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 67 years, George; brother, Henry (Ronda) Bates of International Falls, Minnesota; children, George N. (Barbara) of Prattville, Alabama, Mae (Russell) Worcester of Cushing, Maine, William (Molly) of Alexandria, Virginia, Alan (Tanjala) of Wasilla, Alaska, Ramona (Ron) Anderson of Winlock, Washington, and Kevin (Carrie) of Anchorage, Alaska; 16 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held in Homer at St. John’s Catholic Church at noon Thursday, May 2, 2019. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. John Catholic Church, Homer, AK 99603.