Frances Florence Ferkingstad
January 19, 1915 - October 18, 2012
Obituary
Frances Florence Pitzl Ferkingstad
Frances was born in Seattle on January 19, 1915. She lived her entire life in Seattle. She was the seventh child of Elizabeth and Michael Pitzl (who emigrated from Austria). She was a sister to Lizzie, Annie, Leo, Michael, Bertha, and Mary. She grew up in the Rainier Valley among farmers, some of whom sold their produce at the Pike Place Market, a place she visited often during her life.
One night while dancing at the Avalon Ballroom, she met Arne Ferkingstad who emigrated from Norway to work as a fisherman. She must have liked the dimple in his chin and his blue eyes because on January 29, 1938, she married him. Ten months later Frances gave birth to her first child, Edwin. The next 19 years brought 5 more children: Donald, Karen, Shirley, Michael, and Arne Jr. Frances and Arne always lived near saltwater–first living in Alki and then moving to Ballard in 1960.
After her youngest child started school she worked as a seamstress at Skyway Luggage from 1962 until 1985. She traveled in Europe with her daughter Karen in the late 1960’s, visiting the home towns of her mother and father in Austria and also visiting Arne’s relatives in Norway. She accompanied her nephew Richard on a variety of trips in the US. She also took a cruise to Alaska with Karen. Arne died in 1994, after 56 years of marriage. She lived independently until 2003 when she moved into the Foss Home. She died on Thursday, Oct 18, 2012 at the Foss Home, surrounded by her children.
Frances was a woman of few words, great strength, tremendous energy, a powerful work ethic, and a deep sense of responsibility. She brought beauty to her life and her family in many forms and always looked for ways to express her creativity. She created beautiful gardens, unique, handmade gifts and handicrafts, and wonderful food. When she was not cooking, baking, or washing clothes she was sewing, knitting, crocheting, or drying flowers and making flower arrangements.
She took such care to make celebrations special–they were about sharing and showing how much she loved her family. She overcame the challenges and hardships that life gave her with dignity and perseverance. She respected nature and was a careful steward–treating the earth and resources with respect, giving back and being thoughtful in all her choices. She has left a legacy that teaches us to nurture those we love, work hard, and seek out what is beautiful in life.
In your mind’s eye, see her dancing at Norway Center with Arne, playing canasta with Martin and Bertha Ness, watering her garden, or visiting her sister on a Sunday afternoon.
Her spirit endures and will live on in her children, her grandchildren, and her great grandchildren.
Francis is survived by her children: Ed (Linda), Don (Nancy), Karen Gritzka (Tom), Shirley, Mike, Arne, Jr. (Pam); grandchildren: Mark (Kim) , Julie, Todd (Tina), Erik (Melody), Aaron Gritzka, Didrik (Tova) Gritzka; great-grandchildren: Anna, Sonja, Chloey, Ellie, Gunnar, Kurt, Damon.
Lloyd and I send our sympathy to you all on hearing of the death of Aunt Francis. We visited your parents twice in Seattle and have fond memories of them. Gwen also sends her sympathy
Helen
My condolences Julie and family.
Steve Champion