Melford E. Franke

Obituary

Melford Edwin Franke was born on January 15, 1945, in New Ulm, Minnesota. He was the son of Edwin and Martha (Hulke) Franke. Melford was baptized as an infant on January 28, 1945, and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth on March 22, 1959, both at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Gaylord. He received his education in Gaylord and was a graduate of the Gaylord High School Class of 1963.

On June 29, 1980, Melford was united in marriage to LaVern Redepenning at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Gaylord. After their marriage, the couple farmed on Melford’s family farm where he lived his entire life. Melford and LaVern were blessed with four children, Loretta, Andrew, Roxanne and Gloria. They shared 43 years of marriage.

Melford was a life-long member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Gaylord.

Melford enjoyed farming and spending time with family and friends.

Melford passed away at the Franke family farm surrounded by his family on Friday, August 25, 2023, at the age of 78 years. Blessed be his memory.

Melford is survived by his:
Wife,               LaVern Franke of Gaylord, MN;
Children,         Loretta Franke of Lafayette, MN,
                        Andrew Franke of Gaylord, MN,
                        Roxanne Chepsongol and her husband, Justus of Las Cruces, NM, and
                        Gloria Talamantes and her husband, Roberto of Las Cruces, NM;
Grandchildren, Noah Chepsongol, Nadia Chepsongol, Andrew Talamantes;
Sister, Lucy Gluth;
Brother, Clifford Franke and his wife, Ruth;
Sister-in-law, Lois Vasquez;
Nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Melford was preceded in death by his Parents, Edwin and Martha Franke; Sister, Ardella Franke; Brother-in-law, Bill Gluth.