GAYLORD - Elmer A. Franke, age 101, of Gaylord, passed away Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009, at the Oak Terrace Health Care Center in Gaylord.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Gaylord,with Pastor Bill Nelsen officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Arrangements by Egesdal Funeral Home in Gaylord. Online obituaries and guest book available at www.hantge.com
Visitation will be 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the church.
Elmer Alfred Franke was born on Nov. 14, 1907, in Sibley Township, Sibley County. He was the son of Fred and Anna (Briest) Franke. As a young man, Elmer worked with his father on the family farm in Sibley Township.
On June 16, 1936, Elmer was united in marriage to Myrtle Ostermann at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sibley Township. The couple farmed until 1961, when they moved into Gaylord.
During his retirement, Elmer always found something to do, helping farmers with planting, harvesting and many other jobs. He was always willing to help out. Elmer and Myrtle shared 73 years of marriage, and were blessed with two children.
Elmer and Myrtle enjoyed traveling throughout the United States. They spent a lot of time visiting with friends and playing cards. Elmer had a large collection of recorded music and would offer to share it with anyone who would listen.
When he needed assistance with his daily care, Elmer became a resident of the Oak Terrace Health Care Center in Gaylord on May 23, 2004. While in Oak Terrace, he started a collection of scrapbooks. They contain pictures of the many things he enjoyed during his lifetime. Elmer will be most remembered for his stories of the past and his dry, witty humor.
Elmer is survived by his wife, Myrtle Franke of Oak Terrace Health Care Center in Gaylord; a son, Wayne Franke and his wife, Darlyne of Fridley; a daughter, Joan Pikal and her husband, Keith of Brownton; grandchildren, David Franke and his wife, Cheryl of Houston, Texas, Jonathan Franke of Fridley, Christopher Pikal of Brownton, and Cynthia Schacht of Glencoe; great-grandchildren, William "Rick" Franke of San Marcos, Texas, and his fianc, Brittany Royko of Austin, Texas, and Elise Franke of Houston, Texas; sister-In-Law, Ruby Hardel of Gaylord; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Elmer was preceded in death by his parents; and by his sisters, Helen Stenzel, Esther McGaughy and Bernice Eastey.