Glennis Jane Franko, 93, passed away on Monday, November 4, 2024, at Prairie Meadows Senior Living in Kasson, MN.
Glenny was born on the family farm near Estherville, Iowa on September 26, 1931, to Clarence and Lida (Work) Saxton. The family later moved north to farms in rural Blooming Prairie and Dodge Center. She attended country schools and graduated from Dodge Center High School in 1949. She then attended the Kahler School of Nursing. While still living at home, one day she went to town with her father to attend a farm meeting. Bored with the meeting, she and a friend went to Maroo’s Tavern to get a hamburger and soda. There they noticed a cute guy sitting out back at a picnic table. This cute guy turned out to be her future husband, Marty Franko. Marty was enlisted in the Air Force. So, during their first years of marriage they spent time in Texas, Nebraska and back home to Dodge Center while Marty served in Korea. Upon his return, their next assignment was in Bangor, Maine. Upon his discharge, they moved to a farm south of Dodge Center where they started farming and raising a family. In 1959 they moved the family to northern Minnesota near Askov. During this time Marty took on various jobs to make ends meet. Glenny became the “main supervisor” and “chief hired hand” of the farm, while also keeping track of the family which by now numbered 6 kids. In 1962 they re-evaluated, and the family moved back to the farm north of Dodge Center where they increased the family size by 2 more for a total of 5 boys and 3 girls! They spent the last 50+ years on the farm until moving to Prairie Meadows last year.
During her nursing career, Glenny worked at Fairview Nursing Home. She retired after 35 years. She cared for many over the years – patients, friends and family. She always did so with much love and sincerity.
Glenny was involved with: Wasioja Ladies Club, Farmers Union, United Methodist Church, and American Legion Auxiliary. She was always willing to lend a helping hand. Favorite activities included: gardening, singing, listening to music, playing the organ, dancing, playing cards, sewing, crocheting, cooking, baking, fishing, traveling and spending time with family.
She is survived by her husband, Marty Franko; children, Lynn (Peggy) Franko, Deb (Rick) Papenfus, Randy (Karen) Franko, Dale (Darilyn) Franko, Tami (Bill) Garness, Cherri (Dan) Mlenar, and Scott (Sherrie) Franko; grandchildren, Jackie (Justin) Streiff, Nick (Katelyn) Franko, Pat (Danielle) Franko, Cody (Kindra) Papenfus, Melanie (Andrew) Schiek, Chris (AJ) Franko, Brent (Tanelle) Franko, Jeannine Franko, Brett (Ashton) Franko, Danielle Franko, Rylee Franko, Shane Mlenar, Garrett Franko, Shelby Franko, Brock (Mackenzie) Franko, Morgan Franko, Kylie Franko; 24 great-grandchildren all of which she truly cherished and adored; one sister, Beverly (Bill) Elving; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, Bruce; parents; and her sister, Arlene (Bud) O’Donnell.
Memorials are preferred to Wildwood Cemetery, United Methodist Church, American Legion Auxiliary or Fairview Nursing Home.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the Dodge Center United Methodist Church, 20 1st St NE in Dodge Center, MN with Pastor Chad Christensen officiating. Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, November 8, 2024, at Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 25 South St SW in Dodge Center, MN and one hour prior to her service at the church. Interment will be in Wildwood Cemetery in Wasioja, MN. Following her service there will be a luncheon at United Methodist Church.
To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com. Blessed be her memory.
