Fran Bachman
January 27, 2011
F. Francine (Fran) Bachman, 78, of Urbandale, Iowa, died at Kavanagh House Hospice on Thursday, January 27, 2011, after a battle with health issues. Funeral services will be held at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens on Saturday, January 29, 2011, at 12 p.m. Visitation, with family present, will be one hour prior to service time at the funeral home.
Fran was born on August 31, 1932, in Knoxville, Iowa, the daughter of Flavis L. and Edna M. Bachman. She graduated from Dallas High School as Valedictorian and Senior Class President. She continued on to Drake University where she studied accounting. She also studied Principles of Cash Management with the First National Bank of Chicago. She completed the American Management Association Cash Management program and pursued additional financial management studies through The Institute of Financial Education in Chicago.
Fran was employed in the accounting field as an accountant. At that time, many employers were seeking to provide opportunities for women to fill more responsible positions. Employers recognized that the shortage of high quality management could be met only through promotions to managerial jobs based exclusively on ability, without regard to sex or race. Fran very readily accepted this challenge and continued necessary studies in order to meet the challenge.
Fran became Financial Reporting Manager of the North American Operations of Massy Ferguson in 1974, and she was the first woman to achieve management designation at M.F. She retired in 1996 as Corporate Vice President and Controller of Dunn and Company.
She held past memberships in the National Association of Accountants and the American Administrative Society.
Fran loved music and after she retired, she wanted to learn to play the organ. She took lessons for several years and enjoyed playing for family and friends. Another interest was traveling, and she enjoyed visiting many foreign countries and most of the States.
She was intelligent, warm, kind, and compassionate – an extraordinary woman who lived her life with integrity and personal strength. She will be remembered by her family and close friends as a warm person with good humor, and an inspiration to all.
In 1970, due to serious health issues with both of her parents, Fran moved her parents into her home and accepted caregiver responsibilities for ten years. She always remarked that this was likely her highest achievement. It was both a difficult duty as well as a loving responsibility.
She is survived by two brothers, Darroll L. (Evelyn) Bachman of Knoxville, Iowa, and Marvin E. Bachman of Kalamazoo, MI; many well loved nieces and nephews; and friends of many years.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Donal and Clayton.
Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Pat Walsh
01/30/2011
I pray that God will give strength in the days and weeks to come for the family and friends of Fran. I was honored to have worked with Fran at Dunn & Company until she retired. She was an honorable woman in respect to her work and how she treated her colleagues. I am a better person for having her friendship. I will miss you Fran. May God grant you peace?
Sandy Bischof
01/30/2011
I have lost a fifty + year friend who was a friend, mentor in life, co-worker,
boss & caregiver, and someone you could never forget. She made friends easy as she was so caring, she will be greatly missed, but the memories are wonderful.
Sandy Bischof
David McArthur
01/28/2011
Deepest sympathy on the passing of Fran.
She will be fondly remembered as a kind, warm hearted working associate. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She was a great friend.
Ann Jackson
01/28/2011
Fran , What a lady . I worked for Fran in Financial Accounting 1975-86.. I learned a lot and thanks to her I moved on and became a great Financial Account which because of her I did has she wanted and upgrade my self . I really, really am glad I got to be trained under the first female accountant at Massy Ferguson . Fran Rest in peace, all that you had you shared with many . much love
Ann w. Jackson
Sharon Conrad
01/28/2011
Well Fran, the journey is over and you are now surrounded by those who love you and went before. I'm sure Don was waiting, and old Donna, she's probably been running around dusting and making sure everything was nice and tidy before your arrival. I'll send a nickel tomorrow for her. Your battle is now over, may you rest in peace and fly with the angels. Give Donna my love and many hugs. Love you too. See me!
Bob Joss
01/28/2011
Frannie was the most honest and sincere lady I have ever known. She was indeed my mentor in the business world. I will truly miss her warmth, compassion and advice. May you rest in peace my dear freind.
Cindy Adams
01/28/2011
To Trula and all family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Fran was a great person and teacher. She taught me some great financial business lessons that I have used throughout my life.
The one I remember most was "Remember you are now not an auditor and these must tie out."
I have Fran to thank for pushing me to be a better accountant!
Cindy Adams
Carl Varley
01/28/2011
I worked with Fran at Massey Ferguson around 1970. She was a wonderful and extremely capable coworker. We would go to the computer center at 3:00 AM early each month to begin the monthly account closing process. The world needs more Frans!
Mr. & Mrs. Edward Randall Bernett, Pebble Beach, C
01/28/2011
Dear Fran, Thank you so very very much for being such a true friend and inspiration to my little sister, Deb, when she needed you the most. May you now rest in peace in the loving arms of your beloved brother and my brother-in-law, Don. We will miss you dearly especially during Super Bowls.
Much love and prayers for peace and comfort to you Tru and family,
Randy and Kat