Fran and Lonny Seeley are lifelong Becker residents. Both families are hard working, entrepreneurial, stellar folks with deep roots in the community.

Lonny and Fran owned Lonny’s Grocery Store, where Charlies restaurant now sits, from 1972 through 1984. I remember how Fran and Lonny have always had a smile.

My brother Russell has enjoyed a friendship with Lonny over the past 40 years.

Fran and Lonny also owned a variety store across the street during that same time period as well as Ultimate Video in that same location.

After closing the stores, Lonny worked at Tom Thumb for Virgil Gilyard. The opening of Tom Thumb was quite a big deal on the scene in Becker when it opened in 1984, since gas stations were not nearly as prevalent at that time and the store also offered a full line of meat.

Lonny was a charter member of Becker Lions and a member of the Becker Fire Board. He helped with the annual Freedom Days parade for 10 years, served on Becker Twp. annexation board and was a member of Clear Lake cemetery board.

Fran was a member of Women Of Today, American Legion Auxiliary, and helped author the wonderful book “Becker Schools First 100 years”.

Fran served as a Relay For Life chairperson for 5 years and was captain of her team for an additional 5 years. Fran and her family also organized the cancer survivor dinner for 5 years. Fran chaired the American Red Cross bloodmobile with her sisters for a number of years, Dollars For Scholars volunteer for 5 years, and was an election judge for 14 years.

Fran has served as the Becker township deputy clerk for the past 4 years.

Fran and Lonny learned a hard work ethic growing up and come from good stock.

Lonny’s grandparents - Sherman and Orpha “Dot’ (Compton) Seeley - moved to the old Baptist church in Becker township from Huron, South Dakota in 1920. They had three boys (Stanley, Forrest and Laurence).

The three boys graduated from Becker High school after attending District 20 during their elementary years.

The family was very active in church, 4-H, Grange and a variety of community activites.

Lonny was born to Laurence and Virginia (Gohman) Seeley.

Lonny was one of six: Sharon (Gallagher), Glen, Lonny (Fran), Larry (Debbie), Brenda (Jack) Peterson, and Randy Seeley.

Fran’s parents are the late Frank Kolbinger Jr and Agnes (Eilers) Kolbinger. Frank was the postmaster in Becker.

Fran’s siblings include: Judy Haus, Kay Nelson, Patty Kolbinger (passed away in 1972) and Pam Scherber.

Lonny’s dad (Laurence), graduated from Becker in 1936. Fran’s dad (Frank Kolbinger, Jr.) graduated in 1935.

Fran and Lonny raised two children: Deanna, who graduated from Becker in 1993; and Darin, who graduated from Becker in 1995.

Deanna had two boys, Mason and Parker.

Deanna was diagnosed with cancer and passed away in Sept., 2010 when her boys were young.

While Deanna was sick and leading up to her passing, she and the boys lived with Fran and Lonny.

After Deanna passed away, the boys continued to live with their grandparents Fran and Lonny.

Friends of Deanna’s miss her a great deal. Jeanna Johnson was one of Deanna’s close friends shared these memories about Deanna: “Deanna worked at Red Balloon Childcare Center in Becker for several years. She helped raise and care for hundreds of families over the years. She was the one that got me out of the house on weekends. I remember her dragging me to scary movies and I would cover my head with my jacket the whole time. She was kind and generous and was a wonderful mother. She was a dear friend to many in the community.”

The Seeley family’s journey has been bittersweet, as the boys certainly miss their mom beyond measure.

Yet, it has been such a sweet blessing that Mason and Parker have been able to grow up with the unconditional love of their grandparents.

I am certain the boys have brought a great deal of joy to Fran and Lonny after the loss of their precious daughter.

Fran and Lonny were Mason and Parker’s biggest fans, attending a multitude of football and lacrosse games.

Mason graduated from Becker in 2018 and will start his third year at Winona State University, majoring in business administration.

Parker is a 2020 Becker graduate. He was crowned homecoming prince this past year and has kept busy the past several years playing football (right guard) and lacrosse.

Parker’s plans include attending St. Cloud State University in the fall. Lonny graduated in 1966; Fran in 1969.

Four generations of Fran and Lonny’s familes have attended Becker schools.

If Deanna were still with us, she would certainly be proud of Mason and Parker.

Fran and Lonny have done a marvelous job of raising the boys.

I’m grateful for so many local residents such as Fran and Lonny that volunteer to make our community a better place.