Frances “Fran” Kreuser Runyen 64 of Clinton, IL passed away November 22, 2024 from complications due to Multiple Systems Atrophy (MSA).

Fran was born July 12, 1960 in Chicago, IL the daughter of Leo and Mary Ann (Farley) Kreuser.

Fran loved her family.  She married Michael Runyen in 1984 in Clinton, IL and together they raised three children, Steven Runyen, Clinton, IL, Matthew Runyen, Salt Lake City, UT, and Sarah (Adam) Denhart, Homer, IL.  Fran was blessed with grandchildren Garrett, Margaret, and Olivia who brought much happiness and laughter.

Fran felt fortunate to be the matriarch of her large family hosting countless dinners and holidays.  She is survived by her brother, Bill Kreuser of Michigan City, IN and his children Crystal (Joey) Dyer and their son Jake, Daniel (Crystal “CJ”) Kreuser and daughter Penelope, and Angela Kreuser, brother John (Chris) Kreuser of Chicago, IL and their children, daughter Kelli (Chelsea Myers) Kreuser, son Brent (Dani) Kreuser and their children Jaxon and Neve, son Michael (Marli) Kreuser and their children, Loren and Collette, and daughter Anna (Perry) Fishel and their daughters, Maeve and Fiona, sister Dr. Maureen (Rick Herndobler) Kreuser of Chicago, IL, brother Jim (Deb) Kreuser of Denver, CO, and brother Tom (Nancy) Kreuser of Bloomington, IL and their children Vaughn, Kyle, and Abby Kreuser.

Fran’s dedication to her family extended to her in-laws.  She was close with her mother-in-law Betty Runyen of Clinton, IL, brothers-in-law Randy Runyen of Maroa, IL and his children Logan and Ethan, and Colin (Stefanie) Runyen of Clinton, IL and their son Cade.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Peter Kreuser, father-in-law, Clarence Earl Runyen and brother-in-law, Dennis Runyen.

Fran’s calling was working with children.  She was a teaching assistant for the Clinton School District for 32 years.  Her career path also included Clinton IGA, DeWitt Savings Bank, and Save-A-Lot.  Fran was especially appreciative of the relationships she built with her Douglas School colleagues and considered them her second family.

Fran was a very active member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Clinton.  She organized many fundraising dinners, Angel Tree collections, and served on parish council.  In addition, she was a great supporter of the American Red Cross, donating blood and coordinating drives.

The consummate baker and hostess, lucky were those who experienced Fran’s delectable cakes and cookies.  In addition, Fran loved to garden and many benefited with gifts of flower starts and vegetables from her.

To know Fran was to know a true friend.  She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at St. John’s Catholic Church, Clinton, IL at 10:30 AM with Fr. Thomas Szydlik.  Visitation will be Friday, December 6, 2024 from 5 – 7 PM at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL. 

Memorials may be directed to St. John’s Catholic Church, Clinton, Il. or Second Chance Pet Adoption.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com