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Helen L. Franke Obituary – 6/23/2017


Helen L. Franke, age 98, of Mayer, passed away Friday, June 23, 2017, at the Haven Home in Maple Plain.

She was born July 26, 1918, in New Auburn Township, the daughter of Henry and Wilhelmina (Stradtman) Krecklau. Helen was baptized at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Auburn Twp., Sibley County, and later confirmed in the faith.

She was united in marriage to Melvin O. Franke Sept. 30, 1936, at Zion Lutheran Church in rural New Auburn Twp.

Helen worked very hard throughout her entire life at various jobs.

She and Melvin loved going to the cabin on Elbow Lake, where they would spend the days fishing and gardening.

An independent person, Helen never asked much of anybody to help her complete the tasks of the day. She liked traveling in her younger days; some of her favorite destinations were going to Germany, Hawaii, and Florida.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin; daughter Yvonne (Ken) Bahr; son-in-law Gerald Hahn; great-granddaughter Kristal Hahn; parents Henry and Wilhelmina Krecklau; brothers Harold (Mildred) Krecklau, and Lawrence (Irene) Krecklau; sister Esther (Edwin) Kloempken; and brother-in-law Howard Mielke.

She is survived by her loving family: daughters Romayne Hahn of Glencoe, and Sharon Born and special friend Gary Thielen of Coon Rapids; son Leon (Kathy) Franke of Delano; grandchildren Brad (Bonnie) Hahn, Randy Hahn, Rick Hahn, Rhonda (Dan) Noga, Kelley Bahr, Patty (Joel) Sievers, Rebecca Born, Bill (Jenny) Born, Michelle (Kris) Georges, and Aimee (Chris) Wilbur; 16 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Eileen Mielke of Hutchinson; nieces; nephews; and other relatives and friends.

Her funeral service took place Tuesday, June 27 at 11 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Mayer, with the Rev. Lucas Woodford officiating. Interment was at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Mayer.

There was visitation Monday, June 26 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the church, continuing Tuesday, one hour prior to the service.

Casket bearers were Brad Hahn, Rick Hahn, Bill Born, Joel Sievers, Kris Georges, and Chris Wilbur.

Arrangements were with the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia; www.johnsonfh.com.

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