Elmer G. Franken
(February 15, 1923 - December 13, 2008)

Elmer G. Franken, age 85, died Saturday, December 13, 2008, at Heritage Senior Living, Madison.

Elmer G. Franken was born Feb. 15, 1923 at Toronto, SD to George and Tina (Walters) Franken. He attended school in Argo Township graduating from the 8th grade. Elmer worked several jobs in the White and Toronto area as a farmhand; including for his sister Alice and her husband Peter Kruse and Irvie & Gladys Mennis. He joined the Army in November 1948 serving during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in September 1951. Elmer married Maxine Steinback on Sept. 15, 1950 at Brookings. After his discharge, they farmed until November 1961. He worked as a farmhand for many years in the White, Brookings and Winfred areas including working for Don Show. He was also custodian at Garfield School in Madison and at his church for several years. Elmer and his wife were also caretakers at Prairie View Apts. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Madison American Legion and he served as mayor of Winfred. He greatly enjoyed being with his family and having coffee with friends.

PRECEDED IN DEATH BY: his parents; his wife in 2001; three brothers Matt, Jack and Hank Franken; five sisters Grace Heppler, Ethel Winkowitch, Ella Smidt, Alice Kruse and Anna Mae Krein.

SURVIVORS: include his seven children and their spouses – Barbara (Don) Gause of Madison, Brice (Brenda) Franken of Madison, Belinda (Dan) Fritz of Madison, Blaine (Marcia) Franken of Clear Lake, Bernice Ripperger of Pierre, Beverly (Chris) Thayer of Sheridan, WY and Bradley (Brenda) Franken of Madison; 18 grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; one sister Gertie Odegaard of Mitchell and one sister-in-law Irene Franken of White.

Service Schedule

Visitation
begins 4:00 PM Wed., Dec. 17
Family present at 7:00 PM
Ellsworth Funeral Home

Funeral Service
1:30 PM
Thursday, December 18, 2008
First Presbyterian Church
Madison, South Dakota

Interment
Winfred Cemetery
Winfred, South Dakota