Obituary of Frances Sitmer

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our mother, Frances Ruth Sitmer, at the age of 87. She passed away at her daughter’s home in Land O’Lakes, Florida on September 1, 2019 with her loving family members by her side.

Frances was born on Watertown, South Dakota to Lilly and Clifford Overvold on April 5, 1932. She spent most of her youth in Fargo, North Dakota where she graduated from Fargo High School before going to nursing school. After graduation, she married Roger Nelson of Fargo. In 1966, they moved to Crookston, Minnesota and raised their family while also being a pediatric nurse and subsequently teaching nursing at the University of Minnesota and at Crookston Central High Health Occupation Program. She then moved to Clearwater, Florida and began a career with Hospice of the Florida Suncoast, pioneering alongside Mary Labyak, until retiring in 1999. She then married Vic Sitmer, with whom she shared extensive travel and brought smiles to the faces of countless children as Mrs. Claus along with Santa Vic.

Frances is survived by her four children, Becky Nordlum of New Tampa, Florida, Sally (Ray) Willliams, Nancy (Doug) Peterson and Todd (Jennifer) Nelson all of Land O’Lakes, Florida; her brother, Keith (Kathie) Overvold of Clearwater, Florida and her sister, Roberta Overvold of Hawaii. Also surviving are her granchildren, Lindsay (Ken) Fisher, Kristopher Williams, Mike (Namaah) Williams, Emily Peterson, Jake and Derek Nelson; her great-grandchildren, Lilli and Ruby Fisher, Harrison Williams along with many more step children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and lifelong friends. Frances is predeceased by her husbands, Roger Nelson and Vic Sitmer.

She enjoyed gardening, volunteering, singing in the church choir, and always helping others.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 5 from 10 o’clock am until 12 noon at Loyless Funeral Home at 5310 Land O’Lakes Blvd. with a funeral service to follow at noon with Chaplain Tim Arsenault officiating. Burial will follow at a later date at Florida National Cemetery where she will be laid to rest with her husband, Vic.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Gulfside Hospice 2016 Collier Parkway, Land O’Lakes, Florida 34639.

Fran’s family is grateful for loved ones’ and friends’ support during this difficult time.

The family has entrusted Loyless Funeral Home with her services.