Dallis Dean Frandsen

Dallis Dean Frandsen, age 86, of Medina, Minnesota, and formerly of Wabasha and Virginia, Minnesota, passed away on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at Okalee Assisted Living in Medina, Minnesota. Private Services will be held at a later date.
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Dallis Dean Frandsen was born on September 22, 1937, in Mandan, North Dakota. He was the son of Stanley and Esther (Hansen) Frandsen. Dallis was baptized as an infant at First Lutheran Church in Mandan. Dallis resided in Mandan until the 5th Grade, when his family moved to Steele, North Dakota, where he resided until the 9th Grade when they settled in Park Rapids, Minnesota. Dallis was confirmed in his faith during high school at Dorset Lutheran Church, near Park Rapids. He was a graduate of the Park Rapids High School Class of 1955. Dallis furthered his education at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, and Bemidji State University, in Bemidji, Minnesota, where he majored in vocal and instrumental music and received his master’s degree in 1964.

Dallis served in the Army National Guard from 1954-1965, reaching the level of First Lieutenant.

On November 28, 1969, Dallis was united in marriage to Joanne (Raukar) Wilcox in South Dakota. They shared over 54 years of marriage.

Dallis’ first teaching job was at Bemidji High School in Bemidji, Minnesota. In 1959, he taught in Clearbrook, Minnesota, and in 1962, he taught in Winnebago, Illinois. In 1967, he began teaching at Virginia High School and retired December of 1996. He and Joanne enjoyed their retirement in Wabasha, Minnesota, where they enjoyed spending time with their numerous, close friends. He also served as a member of the Wabasha Rotary.

Dallis is best remembered for directing multiple choirs at Virginia High School in Virginia, Minnesota, from 1967 to 1996. His career also included beginning band lessons, directing musicals, plays, Madrigal dinners, along with coaching junior high football. The bearded choir director had intensity, enthusiasm, and a strong desire to excel, which left a lasting impression. His teaching style included a combination of strict discipline along with a wonderful sense of humor which he used to elicit the greatest potential from every student. This technique included his booming voice, foot stomping, hand clapping, loud whistles, and an occasional fist pound to the piano. Dallis built the VHS music program up from entry level music classes, to top-notch, award-winning choirs. His A Capella choirs were recognized as the best of Minnesota. He also took high school musicals to the next level. Each year he would provide opportunities for hundreds of students to be a part of a professional production. A Capella choir members looked forward to the annual spring choir trip which allowed them to become “recording artists.” Dallis’ favorite tradition was to invite alumni to the stage to sing “Silent Night” at the conclusion of each winter holiday concert. Near retirement, he enjoyed witnessing several generations of former students gather.

Music has always been a central focus in Dallis’ life. For a number of years, he directed several church choirs. He also enjoyed spending time in the great outdoors whether he was hunting (partridge and deer), fishing, camping, golfing, or downhill skiing. He also often shared fond memories of growing up on the farm. In the past, he also enjoyed bowling, playing cards, and being with friends. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family.

When he needed assistance with his daily care, Dallis moved to Okalee of Medina on July 26, 2021, where he resided in their Memory Care Assisted Living. He peacefully entered eternal life and was welcomed home by his Heavenly Father on the afternoon of Thursday, July 25, 2024, at the age of 86 years.

Blessed be his memory.

Dallis is survived by his:
Wife, Joanne Frandsen at Amira Choice of Plymouth, MN;
Children,
Mark Wilcox and his wife, Sheila, of Mt. Iron, MN;
Dean Pearson of Dallas, TX;
Sharon Biddle and her husband, Rick, of Lakewood, CO;
Eric Pearson of Grand Forks, ND and
Elizabeth “Liz” Larson of Rockford, MN, and her special friend, Scott;
Grandchildren, Aaron Wilcox and his wife, Jane, of Duluth, MN;
Andrew Wilcox and his wife, Marin, of North Branch, MN;
Nicole “Nici” Brown of Lakewood, CO;
Lauren “Lu Lu” Brown of Lakewood, CO; and
Sophia Larson of Minneapolis, MN;
Sister-in-Law, Pam Shega and her husband, Tom, of Duluth, MN;
Nephews, Kurt and Ken Smith;
Nieces, Cindy Bryantt and Beth Grabow;
Grand Dog, Ozzy Pawsbourne;
and numerous friends.

Dallis was preceded in death by his Parents, Stanley and Esther Frandsen; Father-in Law and Mother-in-Law, Joe and Ann Raukar; Sister, Wanda M. Smith (March 2022) and Brother-in-Law, Vernon Smith (June 1995); Son-in-Law, Jonathan M. Larson (September 2019).

Arrangements by the Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson. Online Obituaries and Guest Book available at www.hantge.com.