Myra Mae Franke

Obituary

Myra Mae (Wilkens) Franke was born on May 3, 1937, at her home in rural Plato, McLeod County, Minnesota.  She was the daughter of Henry Herman and Lorna Mathilda (Kruschke) Wilkens.  Myra was baptized as an infant on May 16, 1937, by Rev. G. Nussmann and later was confirmed in her faith as a youth on Easter Sunday in 1951, by Rev. Peter Schild both at Frieden’s County Line UCC Church in rural Norwood Young America, Minnesota.  She received her education in Glencoe, Minnesota, graduating with the Glencoe High School Class of 1955. 

On February 7, 1959, Myra was united in marriage to Kenneth William Franke by Rev. Iseli at Frieden’s County Line UCC Church in rural Norwood Young America, Minnesota.  Myra and Kenneth made their home in Plato, Minnesota.  Their marriage was blessed with four children, Michael, Bruce, Amy, and David.  Myra and Kenneth shared over 64 years of marriage.

Before Myra was married, she worked as the office manager for Edward H. Pinske & Sons Contractor.  In 1966 Myra and Kenneth bought the auto mechanic business from Ray Koester in Plato.  In 1967, they bought the creamery building in Plato and remodeled the building, and turned it into the new auto repair shop.  In 1981, they started in the Conklin business, and in 1982 started Franke’s Conklin Service.  In 1985, they worked full-time in Franke’s Conklin business which specialized in lawn spraying and selling Conklin products retail and wholesale.  Myra also helped Conklin train in the lawn care division.  Around 2000 they sold the lawn spraying business to Curt Bussler. Myra was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Plato.  As her ministry to the church, Myra served on the St. John’s Lutheran Ladies Aid.  Myra was also a charter member of the Plato Lions and the Plato Blood Drive.    

Myra enjoyed helping other people, gardening, sewing, flowers, fishing, traveling, and camping. Family was very important to her and she treasured the time spent with them and her friends. 

Myra passed away on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at Auburn Manor in Chaska, Minnesota, at the age of 86 years.

Blessed be her memory.

Myra is survived by her
Husband, Kenneth Franke of Plato, MN;
Children, Michael John Franke and his wife, Beverly, of Warsaw, MN,
                Bruce Allen Franke of Plato, MN,
                Amy Lynn Thomas and her significant other, Al Hansen, of Danvers, MN,
                David William Franke and his wife, Danaya, of Golden Valley, MN;
Grandchildren, Ryan Franke, Dana Franke, Vincent Thomas, Dayton Franke, Dawson Franke, Britiany Mewhorter and her husband Lee;
Great-Grandchildren, Theo Andreas, River Drake, and Kairon Mewhorter;
Sister, Doris Schwirtz of Plato, MN;
Brothers, Orville Wilkens and his wife, Betty, of Plato, MN,
                Vernon Wilkens and his wife, Colleen, of Plato, MN,
                Charles Wilkens and his wife, Peggy, of Plato, MN;
Sister-In-Law, Bonnie Wilkens of Norwood Young America, MN;
Nieces, Nephews, Other relatives, and many friends.

Myra was preceded in death by her Parents, Henry and Lorna Wilkens; Sister, Lois Pinske and her husband, Charles; Brother, Raymond Wilkens; Brother-in-law, Richard Schwirtz.