Fran Ely

Francis L. Ely passed away on February 5, 2025, at a Bismarck hospital.

A private family service will be held at Parkway Funeral Home, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, on Friday, February 28. The public is invited to share memories of Fran at a visitation following the service from 5:00-7:00 PM. 

Fran was born on June 20,1934 to Albert and Alice (Rockey) Ely. He grew up with two brothers, Bob and Erv and sister, Betty. Although times were tough, he always shared happy stories of hijinks with his brothers, his mother’s great cooking and the freedom of childhood in those days. He graduated from Bismarck High School in 1952. 

In 1953, Fran met the love of his life, Audrey Cook. They were married at McCabe United Methodist Church in 1955. In August of this year, they would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. They were blessed with two children, Susan and Dale.

Coming from a musical family, it wasn’t long before Fran was recognized for his ability on the drums. He was privileged and honored to perform with numerous area bands including the 309th Army Reserve Band, the BJC Bagpipe Band, the All-State North Dakota American Legion Band (50 years), Bismarck Elks Band (35 years), El Zagal Shrine Band and a variety of local dance bands including the Cal Heine Orchestra, Ray Heid Orchestra, and the Basin City Eight.

Most of Fran’s work career was spent with the State of North Dakota beginning with the Motor Vehicle Department and concluding with the North Dakota Legislative Council. When he began working with the Legislative Council, he was tasked with bringing it and the Legislative Assembly into the computer age. This proved to be quite a challenge, but he succeeded. He retired in 1990.

An active Mason, Fran served as the Master of Lodge 5 in 2011 and as District Deputy Grand Master during 2014-15. He was awarded the Grand Masters King Soloman Award in 2013 and was coronated with the 33rd Degree in 2009. He was a board member of the Scottish Rite Speech Center for many years. 

Fran is survived by his wife, Audrey, and children, Sue (Mel Lippert) and Dale (Shannon). One of the greatest joys in his life was being grandpa to Matt Sayler (Lauren), Jenna Pokrzywinski (Zach), Lindsay Lippert, Lexi Ely Feichtinger (John), Cameron Clark, Samantha Clark and Ian Ely. He was also blessed to welcome great grandchildren Jake and Teddy Sayler, Claire and Leo Pokrzywinski and Rory Feichtinger. He will also be missed by brother, Erv (Norma) Ely and sisters-in-law Nancy Ely, Karen Cook and Elaine Cook. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert Ely; sister, Betty Ehli; sister-in-law, MaryAnne Kelly; brothers-in-law, Gene Cook, William Cook, Robert Kelley and Joe Ehli; and grandson, Christopher Sayler.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to McCabe United Methodist Church or Papa’s Pumpkin Patch.