Franklin Vanek

Published 12:00 am Saturday, October 10, 2009

Funeral services for Franklin Vanek, age 86, of Clarks Grove will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Central Freeborn Lutheran Church. The Rev. Matt Griggs will officiate. Interment will be at North Freeborn Cemetery with Military Honors accorded by area veteran’s organizations. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church.
Franklin died Thursday, Oct. 8, 2009, at his home.
Franklin Vanek was born July 29, 1923 to Joseph and Clara (Steene) Vanek in Glenville. Frank grew up and attended school in Glenville. In May of 1945 he entered the United States Army and served his country. On March 15, 1946, Frank was united in marriage to Margaret Johnson in Northwood, Iowa. The couple made their home in the Clarks Grove area and farmed for many years. Frank then worked for Nelson Excavating and drove school bus in Clarks Grove for several years. Frank worked for King Seely Manufacturing for 10 years and then became head custodian at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea for several years. He also managed the family business, Gena’s Monday Laundromat, for 12 years. Frank was a life long active member of North Freeborn Lutheran Church, which later merged with Central Freeborn Lutheran Church. Frank had a passion for “Old Time” music and dancing.
Survivors include his sons, Todd (Mary) Vanek and Kent (Beth) Vanek; grandchildren, Jennifer, Jessica and Jillian; sister-in-law Rose Marie (Prantner) Vanek and many nieces and nephews.
Franklin was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret; daughter, Julie and husband David Zinschlag; parents, Joseph and Clara Vanek; mother and father-in-law, Victor and Gena Johnson; sister Dorothy and husband Nick Gentle; brother Wilton Remore Vanek; and sister and brother-in-law, Olive and Emery Langlie.