Louise Frances “Fran” Wilken, age 79 passed away peacefully at home by her family on April 27, 2025 near Miles City.
Fran was born on January 26, 1946 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She was the daughter of Glendora Ruth Masters and Louis Franklin Workman. In the early years Fran enjoyed playing the drums, working in the stables and became Rodeo Queen at Ute Trail Stampede at the age of 16. Her favorite events were bull riding, and team roping. Later in life, she taught herself to play guitar and sang alongside her loving husband Bob Wilken, and formed the band Re-Ride. They traveled around participating in cowboy poetry and performing music as “Rose and Cimarron Cowboy Songs in Harmony.” Some of the activities she enjoyed most were fishing, prospecting, and painting. In 2016, she achieved her dream of publishing her novel “Silver McQueen: Boothill Canyon”.
Fran loved her family and is survived by her husband Robert, her children: Deon (Bambi), Kandi (Ken), Karson (Carmen), step-daughters Stacey, Lori (Shawn), Krystal (Scott); Grandchildren: Karissa, Marti (Brad), Courtney, Gunner, Cherika, Dakota (Brittney), Mariah (Tomasz), Taylor (Sutton), & Corey; Great Grandchildren: Clara, Bronek, Grayson & Truett; her siblings: Shirley, Boyd and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Preceded in death by her father Louis, mother Glendora (Harry), her grandparents, Masters; a sister Sandy, brothers-in-law: Jim, Gary, and John, and a great-granddaughter McKinley.
There will be a small family service this coming summer. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Holy Rosary Hospice Team for their support during this tough time. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be set to Holy Rosary Hospice.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Marian Watt says
As you know, I loved your Mom and enjoyed our friendship. Over the years we stayed in touched . Am thankful for the time I was able to spend with her on Friday…………I will miss our phone Chats ………..She was one of a kind!!!!
Albert and Lucy Homme says
My mother’s maiden was Willken out of Minnesota I’m 78 grew- up in Fargo
Shirley says
In my sister’s final months we would talk for hours reminiscing about our childhood years, our teenage years, reliving how we grew up. I am going to miss her sooo much. She is now my angel I love you my sweet sister
Kari says
I loved going to Montana to visit my Aunt Fran and my cousins. It was like going to Disneyland..got to ride horses and I was always quite the pest, asking Fran to play her guitar and sing the me. I always looked up to my “real cowgirl” beautiful Aunt. She will be thought of often and greatly missed! I love you always aunt Fran! May you rest in peace until I see you again ❤️
Royleene Baracker says
Our very deepest condolences to Bob and all the family I will always and forever miss you Fran I have so many loving memories of you and all the fun times we had together may you rest in eternal peace Franakins 🙏🏼❤️