Local artist, jeweler, and landscaper, Celeste Frances Chalfonte (Frances Elaine Thompson), 76, of Lake Park, Iowa passed away January 26, 2023, in Spirit Lake, surrounded by family. Fran was born on November 3, 1946, in Round Lake, Minnesota to her late parents, Frank Joseph and Lorraine Emma Louise (Reiners) Thompson.
She graduated from Round Lake high school in 1964. Fran studied design, jewelry making, and metalsmithing as an apprentice for Lowell Lundeen in Minneapolis. Fran opened a jewelry studio in Minneapolis and one of her first customers was the Walker Art Center. Fran crafted her jewelry and art for over 45 years – including pieces for Prince.
In addition to being a jeweler, Fran was a talented artist, landscaper, and graphic designer. She designed private garden spaces in the Iowa Great Lakes area and worked as a graphic designer at Sather’s in Round Lake. Nature was a true love of Fran’s – she loved gardening, flowers, and being outdoors, basking in hot sunshine. Fran was an avid cook and hostess. She loved working with her hands and created unique style and beauty all around her – from the way she dressed to the way she lived, cooked, designed – Fran was truly one-of-a-kind. She lived her life to the fullest and was a true hippie at heart.
Fran was preceded in death by her parents, partner Dale Peters, and brother-in-law Gary Grubb. She is survived by her sister, Eleanor Grubb, of Powder Springs, Georgia, and brother David Thompson of Round Lake, Minnesota; Dale’s daughter and granddaughter, Ashley, and Makenzie Fricton; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.
At her request, cremation has taken place. A party and fireworks for family and friends of Fran will be held at the home of Fran’s brother, David Thompson, in Lake Park, on Friday, June 30, 2023, starting at 5:00 pm.
