Eleanor Marie Franklin

Age 92, of Crystal, passed away at home on September 5, 2016 surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John, and her sister, Lorraine Ryan. Survived by children Thomas (Debbi), Ruth Wolford (Larry), Mary Nesseth (Al), Paula (Greg) Benson, and Robert (Jackie). Grandchildren Amy (Carl) Hall, John Wolford, Grady (Sydney) Wolford, Carrie Dotten, William (Christine) Nesseth, Benjamin Nesseth (fiancée Ashley), Kathleen (Nick) Detrich, Daniel (Elizabeth) Benson, Jodi Franklin (Erik), and Kristina (Travis) Schindler. Great-grandchildren Matthew, Makenzie, Lilly, Aliesha, Wyatt, Ethan, Luke, Porter, Finnegan, Alden, and James. Eleanor was born June 18, 1924 in Minneapolis. She was the eldest child of Dr. Frank and Palma (Nelson) Frisch. Her sister, Lorraine, joined the family in December of 1925. Her early years were spent in Willmar, graduating from Willmar High School in 1942. She then attended St. Catherine's College and the University of Minnesota, and graduated in 1945 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics. She was employed by Archer Daniels Midland in Research and Development and helped create the first commercially available cake mixes. She married her childhood friend and sweetheart, John Franklin, on September 17, 1949. John's career as a journalist brought them to Madelia, Litchfield, Fairmont, and Wayzata. They finally settled down with their five children in Crystal where she lived for 58 years. Once her children were in school, Eleanor worked part -time as a preschool teacher with her dear, life-long friend Charlene (Carlson) Frayseth. Eleanor was fiercely independent and had many interests. She enjoyed history, reading, friends and family, and travel. Over the years, she enjoyed the company of several beloved canine companions. She was an active member of St. James Lutheran Church for 58 years. She enjoyed yoga, fitness classes at the Y, and wearing her Birkenstock sandals. Many happy summers were spent at the family cabin on Eagle Lake in Otter Tail County. Eleanor was a devoted wife and mother. She will be remembered by all who had the honor to know her for her quiet strength, compassion, and gentle humor. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, September 21st at 11:00 AM with visitation one hour prior at St. James Lutheran Church, 6700 46th Place N., Crystal. Internment will be in Gethsemane Cemetery.

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Eleanor Marie Franklin

September 5, 2016

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