Lily Franke

Obituary

Lily Marion (Palmer) Franke was born on April 20, 1924, in Winthrop, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Alfred and Esther (Hed) Palmer. Lily was baptized as an infant on May 16, 1924, and was later confirmed in her faith as a youth in April 30, 1939, both at Bernadotte Lutheran Church. She received her education in rural country school and then went to high school and graduated from Winthrop High School in 1942.

On September 3, 1943, Lily was united in marriage to William “Bill” E. Franke at Bernadotte Lutheran Church. After their marriage, the couple farmed on the Franke family homestead in Sibley Township, Sibley County, Minnesota, retiring in 1986, and moved into Gaylord.  Lily was a hard worker; helping on the farm, a good cook and hosting many family gatherings. She was a good caregiver to family and friends and loved helping others. This union was blessed with four children. Lily and Bill shared 47 years of marriage before Bill passed away on December 28, 1990.

Lily was a lifelong member of Bernadotte Lutheran Church in Bernadotte Township. She sang in the church choir, taught Sunday School, served on the Church Council, and was a very active “church-basement lady” helping and serving whenever needed.

Lily enjoyed bowling, fishing, camping, playing cards and her special trips to Jackpot Junction. She loved spending time with her family and friends.

After Lily suffered a stroke in 2005, she became a resident of Oak Terrace Health Care Center and passed away there on Wednesday, August 24, 2016, at the age of 92 years. Blessed be her memory.

Lily is survived by her:
Daughter,         Marilyn Zarnott and her husband, Wayne of Willmar, MN;
Sons,                Daryl Franke of Winthrop, MN,
                        Randy Franke and his wife, Leslie of Gaylord, MN;
Grandchildren, Brian (Julie) Ostermann, Scott (Kari) Ostermann, Kevin Ostermann, Chad (Joy) Ostermann, Matthew Zarnott, Jennifer Zarnott, Amy (Will) LaBreche, Blake Schons, Lindsay (Tom) Campbell, Abby (Travis) Fritsvold, Tyler Franke and Chloe Franke;
12 Great-Grandchildren;
1 Great-Great-Grandchild;
Son-In-Law, Arlen Ostermann of Good Thunder, MN;
Sister-In-Law, Helen Palmer of Madison, WI;
Brother-In-Law, Pastor Ervin Franke of Owatonna, MN;
Nieces, Nephews, other relatives and friends.

Lily was preceded in death by her Parents, Alfred and Esther Palmer; Husband, William “Bill” Franke; Daughter, Karen Ostermann; Brothers, Linton (Edna) Palmer, Dennis (Selma) Palmer, and Donald Palmer.