Founder Fran: A Life Well Lived
Fran Heitzman
March 6, 1925 ~ January 11, 2020
Fran was deeply loved by those who met him over the course of his amazing 94 years of a life well lived. In addition to his family, those who had the opportunity to serve alongside him at Bridging over the last 33 years will forever cherish the memories and be inspired to keep his dream alive. The contagious inspiration and passion Fran shared as an advocate for those in need ensured all families were served with dignity and was vital in achieving Bridging’s milestone of serving 95,000 households since its inception/the beginning. His tremendous work ethic, commitment to quality service, and unwavering pledge to ensure that “everyone has a bed to sleep in” truly made him one-of-a-kind.
“It has been a true honor to serve alongside this most extraordinary man – so full of love, care and compassion for others. I will forever treasure my experiences with him and all the wisdom shared. He was a true champion for the community. More than 300,000 individuals have had their homes furnished with hope because of Fran’s vision. We have the privilege to carry on his incredible legacy of love and service to all whom we encounter; and at Bridging, we will do just that.” Mark Wilkening, Bridging’s Executive Director
Founder Fran’s vision for Bridging will continue to thrive and his legacy will be everlasting, touching generations to come. He has given us HOPE for a better and brighter world and we will never forget his profound words; “When good people get together and do good things, then good things happen.” — Fran Heitzman, Bridging founder
Honor Founder Fran with a Memorial Gift: To ensure Fran’s legacy lives on and his dream to furnish homes with hope continues well into the future, Bridging will be establishing the Founder Fran Fund to which all memorial gifts will be designated. Donate now.
Founder Fran Memorial News Coverage
- Fran Heitzman, who founded nonprofit furniture bank, dies at 94 by Mara Klecker, Star Tribune: January 12, 2020
- Community mourns death of ‘Bridging’ founder Fran Heitzman… Fox9 News: January 13, 2020
- Remembering the man… that launched Bloomington-based Bridging by Mike Hanks, Bloomington Sun-Current January 14, 2020
Founder Fran Stories
- Fran Heitzman: Building a Legacy of Hope
- Being the Bridge: The Story of Bridging An Inteview with Brian “BT” Turner
- Fran Heitzman: Putting love into Action by Mark Wilkening
More Bridging News Coverage
- Bridging fills the gap for families transitioning from homelessness in the Twin Cities by Dawn Stevens, Fox 9 News: March 1, 2019
- After watching Mari Kondo, Minnesotans empty houses and fill resale shops by John Ewoldt, Star Tribune: February 2, 2019
- Bridging connects MN families with furnishings by Shannon Prather, Star Tribune: November 26, 2018
- Fran was recycling before it was cool Pax Christi News: April, 2018
- At 92, Bridging’s founder still outfits families with your donated furniture by S.M Chavey, Pioneer Press: September 4, 2017
- At Bridging, Fran Heitzman connects… by Dan Olson, MPR News: March 27, 2013
Founder Fran will forever be in our hearts, and we will keep his dream alive!
Thank you to ALL who have touch his life and made an impact at Bridging. Help us continue his dream for generations to come!
- Fran Heitzman: Building a Legacy of Hope (Video)
- The Story of Bridging: Our origins (Video)
- Star Tribune Memorial Feature Article, January 12, 2020 – read the published piece here.
