Frances Junk

In celebration of a life well-lived, we bid farewell to Frances Junk, born on May 11, 1934, in Cedar Creek, Texas, to Maria and Eduardo Maldonado. A spirited journey unfolded as her family meandered across the outskirts of Austin, following the path of her father's work in the dairies. Navigating the uncertainties of her youth, Frances embraced a nomadic life around Austin before finding a settled home in East Austin with her family.

Frances, a spirited Rebel at heart, transcended limitations by departing from the old Austin High School early to dedicate herself to supporting her family and entering the workforce at a tender age. While the hallways of Austin High School briefly observed her indomitable spirit, the enduring Rebel sentiment echoed proudly in Frances, her children, and grandchildren, most of whom shared a connection with Travis High School. Fran became a beloved presence at Travis High School's sporting events, immersing herself in the activities where her children and grandchildren were passionately involved—be it sports, clubs, cheerleading, or homecoming courts. Together with her husband Dan, Fran generously contributed donations to the school over the years, leaving an indelible mark on the community she so ardently embraced.

In her youth, Frances embarked on a culinary odyssey as a waitress at The Plantation cafe, where she encountered her future husband, Dan Junk. Armed with experience from The Plantation and various south Austin restaurants like Dairy Queen and El Gallo, she envisioned a path uniquely her own. The culmination of seven years at King Burger led to the opening of the inaugural Dan's Hamburgers on South Congress on January 18, 1973, marking the genesis of a culinary legacy that would flourish across four additional restaurants. Even after parting ways in 1991, Fran's Hamburgers continued thriving under Frances's unwavering guidance.

Her journey, from a waitress to the proprietor of an iconic eatery, showcased Frances's unyielding work ethic. Amidst restaurant management, she always found time to cook, leaving an enduring imprint on the hearts of her growing family and countless friends.

Beyond her entrepreneurial prowess, Frances radiated familial devotion. Her influence spanned generations, touching surviving children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, and nieces. Known affectionately as Momo, she wasn't just the Queen of Congress; she was the heart of her family.

As we bid adieu, we take solace in knowing that Frances has been joyously reunited with her beloved sons, Michael and Johnny. This new chapter beyond brings peace to our hearts, as familial love transcends time, creating an eternal embrace that resonates amidst our shared sorrow.

Frances is survived by her brother, Fernando Maldonado; daughter, Mary Bialaszewski and her children Matthew Bialaszewski, Jennifer Bialaszewski Tello (Jesse), Michael Bialaszewski and Jason Bialaszewski (Kristen Krusely); son, Edward Terrazas (Kelley) and his children Megan Terrazas, Eddie Terrazas (Ashley), Alexandria Terrazas and Madilyn Terrazas; daughter, Katie Congdon (Philip) and her children Krystal Longoria, Jesse Longoria (Angela), Brandon Congdon and Zachary Congdon (Nikki Leonardo); daughter, Yvonne Wilson and her children Karen Wallace (Scott), Danielle Burnett (Zachary) and Curtis Wilson; daughter-in-law, Lore Harkrider Junk (John, deceased) and their children Debra Flores (Roberto), Elizabeth Biddle (Darren), Daniel Junk and Samuel Junk; son Leo “Tony” Junk and his children Dustin Junk and Jacob Junk. Frances is also survived by the children of her deceased son, Michael Junk--Joshua Junk, Chelsea Junk and Sterling Miller. Twenty-three great-grandchildren also survive her—Morgan Bialaszewski, Kayla Tello, Lana Tello, Jace Tello, Jenna Tello, Meghan Bialaszewski, Jaidon Bialaszewski, McCaleb Bialaszewski, Tyzic Pina, Benjamin Flores, Cher Flores, Keegan Wallace, Isabel Wallace, Theodore Burnett, Hunter Denson,Waylon Cichorz, Jayden Cichorz, Kennedy Toynes, Ciprianna Flores, Cayla Flores, Lucas Flores, Landon Biddle and Olivia Biddle. Many cherished nephews and nieces also survive. Frances is preceded in death by her former husband, Daniel I. Junk; her sons, Michael Junk and John Junk; her parents; her brother, Reyes Maldonado; her sisters, Pilar Ibanez, Sarah Contreras, and Nettie Terrazas; her son-in-law, Joseph Bialaszewski and her lifelong friend, Antonia “Toni” Reyna.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Fran’s granddaughter, Jennifer Tello, for the unwavering care she offered to her grandmother in the final months of her life. We would also like to thank Kelly Terrazas, Cella Bella CNA, Elizabeth Cervantez, Mary Duran, Marcella Dangerfield, Babs Robertson, and Carol Baudin who provided excellent daily care and for their continued compassion.

Visitation will be December the 5th, from 5-7pm followed by the Rosary at 7pm at Weed Corley Fish, 2620 South Congress. Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church, 126 W. Oltorf, on Wednesday, December the 6th at 2:30pm, followed by burial at Assumption Cemetery.

In a poignant tribute, Fran will be tenderly escorted to her ultimate resting place by her devoted grandsons: Matthew Bialaszewski, Eddie Terrazas, Jesse Longoria, Joshua Junk, Samuel Junk and Dustin Junk. Additionally, serving as honorary pallbearers, her grandsons Michael Bialaszewski, Jason Bialaszewski, Brandon Congdon, Zach Congdon, Curtis Wilson, Daniel Junk and Jacob Junk will join in honoring her memory, providing a heartfelt farewell to a beloved matriarch surrounded by the love of family.