Jeffery William France

Jeff was born in Minneapolis, MN to Luella Joyce (Bjorklund) France and James Thomas France. 

Jeff graduated from Braham High School in Minnesota and was proud to be a Braham Bomber. He played football, wrestled and ran track.

Jeff attended college at Valley City State University graduating in 1976. Jeff attended college at the behest of his high school football coach, Pete Nyhus. He was a biology major and he loved anything to do with science. He enjoyed sharing with anyone who would listen about why and how things work. He said he picked this up from his dad who would show and explain everything to him as a child. Jeff was a lifelong learner always researching something new.

Jeff met Pat Tolstad in Valley City while attending a bible study. They married in November of 1976.

Jeff was first and foremost an educator. He taught biology and earth science in Bottineau, North Dakota, Lodge Grass, Montana and Ashby, Minnesota. He was a Christian school administrator at Benson Christian School in Benson, Minnesota and at Calvary Memorial Christian School in Navarre, Minnesota. Jeff was on the board at the Benson Public Library. During his tenure a new library was built. Jeff was on the Loretto City Council for several years. He enjoyed all things related to the city. He studied and researched everything before offering an opinion.

Jeff was a manufacturing supervisor at several businesses, ending his career as a production and roasting supervisor at the Corporate Caribou Coffee in Minneapolis, MN. He was at Caribou for 10 years and it was an amazing place for Jeff. He kept Pat well supplied with fresh roasted coffee.

Jeff was always active in church. Most recently at Woodridge Church, Medina, Minnesota. He attended many classes offered and he had a passion for prayer. He was a member of the prayer ministry, attending two men’s groups each week.

In addition to his faith, he was passionate about gardening and native plants. He may not have bought flowers for Pat, but he planted a huge garden for her to have flowers throughout spring, summer, and fall. He helped both his children plant their own gardens and was always willing to help friends and neighbors, sharing plants and opinions on plants. He fiercely loved his family. If someone mentioned they needed something he would go on a mission to find it.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents Joyce and Jim France and John Kopplin.

Jeff is survived by his wife Pat (Tolstad) France. Son Jason (Amanda) France. Grand children Madison France and Owen France. Daughter Jessie France (David Andrs) and their sons Cameron Andrs and Charles France.

Brothers and sisters James (Diane) France, Jerry (Lee) France, John (Sue) France and Joe France, Judy France-Purcell (Donnie). Lorrie (Travis) Coker, Ronald (Maurine) Tolstad and Vicki Kopplin. And many nieces and nephews plus great nieces and nephews.

Services were held at Woodridge Church, in Medina, on June 29, 2024.