Francine R Kohl

On Thursday, December 7, 2023, Francine Rae Kohl, loving wife, mother and grandmother passed away at age sixty-seven. Her long fight with cancer is over and she is at rest. We are grateful for her strength and courage throughout her fight that allowed all of us precious additional time to spend with her and be inspired by her.

Fran was born in Stuttgart, Germany on June, 26, 1956 to Frank and Maxine Van Arsdale while her father was stationed there in the Army. The family moved to Chipeta Park, CO. in 1962, where she met her future husband Kent, in first grade at the three-room schoolhouse Cascade Elementary. They were married on June, 13, 1981 and started their life together in Grand Junction, CO.

Fran started her career in teaching at the same school she met Kent. After they were married, and moved to Grand Junction, Fran taught third grade at Taylor Elementary in Palisade, CO. for 31 years. After retiring, she continued to substitute teach and volunteer in classrooms across the valley until her passing. Mrs. Kohl, as she was known by students, touched countless lives throughout her career, instilling grit and determination with her favorite mantra, “If it is to be, it is up to me.”

Fran worked the hardest at raising a family and two successful sons that certainly put her patience to the test many times through the years. Her greatest joy was her role as “Grammy” to her two grandchildren Emma, and Jackson. She cherished the time she had to spend with them, attending all of their activities and volunteering weekly in their classrooms.

Fran was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Maxine VanArsdale and her in-laws Jack and Donna Kohl. She is survived by her Husband of 42 years, Kent, son Kyle (Mandy) of Grand Junction, CO, son Bryce (Megan) of Charlotte, NC, grandchildren Emma and Jackson, and brothers Lane Van Arsdale (Margee) of Kalispel, MT and Lee Van Arsdale (Marilee) of Florissant, CO, and many Aunts and Uncles and Nieces and Nephews.

She had a wonderful group of close friends that provided love and support throughout her life that meant the world to her. They selflessly offered comfort and assistance whenever she needed it the most and her family will be forever grateful.

Per her wishes, a celebration of life will be held in the summer and announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please hug a loved one tighter and find a way to spread kindness to a stranger in her honor.