Longtime Cottonwood Resident Fran Viaene Dies at 97

Viaene passed away peacefully at Granite Falls Care Center on March 3.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Fran Viaene, a 97-year-old resident of Cottonwood, Minnesota, passed away on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at the Granite Falls Care Center. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, March 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Cottonwood, followed by interment in the church cemetery and a luncheon in the church basement.

Why it matters

Fran Viaene was a longtime member of the Cottonwood community, having lived there for many decades. Her passing marks the end of an era for the small Minnesota town, as she was one of its most well-known and respected residents.

The details

Viaene's funeral arrangements are being handled by the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall. Visitation will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Cottonwood from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on the day of the funeral, just prior to the 11:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial.

  • Fran Viaene passed away on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
  • The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, March 9, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.

The players

Fran Viaene

A 97-year-old resident of Cottonwood, Minnesota who passed away on March 3, 2026.

St. Mary's Catholic Church

The church in Cottonwood, Minnesota where Fran Viaene's funeral Mass will be held.

Hamilton Funeral Home

The funeral home in Marshall, Minnesota that is handling Fran Viaene's funeral arrangements.

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The takeaway

Fran Viaene's passing marks the end of an era for the tight-knit community of Cottonwood, Minnesota, as she was a beloved and respected resident who had lived there for many decades.