Frances Gab

Frances Malsom Gab, 97, of Aberdeen, SD, passed away Saturday, August 26, 2023, at Bethesda Home of Aberdeen.

A private family-only Funeral Service will be held.

Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements.  Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.schriversmemorial.com.

Frances Malsom Gab was born May 8, 1926, to Frank and Johanna (Goetz) Malsam in Hillsview, SD. She lived and worked on the family farm until she married Lawrence Malsom on November 26, 1945. The couple made their home in Hillsview, where they were blessed with five sons. They operated a meat locker plant until 1957, when they decided to sell the plant and move to Aberdeen, SD. Two daughters were born in Aberdeen, completing the family.

In 1958, Frances went to work at St. Luke’s Hospital as a cook for 10 years, eventually working her way up to head cook. In 1968, she went to work at Control Data as a product inspector. Her husband Lawrence passed away on September 14, 1971. In 1974, she married Edwin Gab on August 4 and they made their home in Aberdeen. Edwin passed away in 1982 and Frances continued to make Aberdeen her home. 

In 1978, Frances went to work at Dakota Midland Hospital until 1987, when she was offered an early retirement. She then happily babysat her grandchildren until they were old enough to attend school.

Not one to stay idle, Frances then became a foster grandparent for 10 years and worked in Bethesda Day Care where she got to cuddle babies who needed her. Above all, Frances loved her family and God. She enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, as well as attending dances at the VFW and Moose Lodge. She also enjoyed playing cards with family and friends in her downtime.

Frances is survived by her children: Eloy (Susan) Malsom of Pickerel Lake, SD, Elliot (Susan) Malsom of Burnsville, MN, Kim (John) Morris of Aberdeen, SD, and Mary (Jeff) Faust of Saint Paul, MN; daughters-in-law Patricia Malsom of Burnsville, MN and Gail Malsom of Aberdeen, SD; 13 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and four siblings: Ben Malsam of Homer, LA, Joe Malsam of Sibley, IA, Theresa Jones of Huntsville, OH, and Marcella Scherr of Webster, SD.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Johanna; brothers, Steven and Dave; sister, Agatha; husbands, Lawrence Malsom and Edwin Gab; children: Leo, Kenneth, and Gordon Malsom; daughters-in-law, Sue Malsom and Brenda Malsom; and grandson, Andrew Malsom.

The family wishes to thank all staff, nurses, and aids at Bethesda Towne Square and Bethesda Home for taking such good care of their mother during her 12 years with them. You all truly blessed her and gave us comfort.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.