Wilma Joyce Franken, 76, Luverne, died Thursday, Sept. 23, 2004, at Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls, S.D.Services were Monday, Sept. 27, at American Reformed Church in Luverne. The Rev. David Sikkema officiated. Burial was in Luverne Memorial Gardens, rural Luverne. Wilma Vande Kieft was born to William and Henriet (Knubal) Vande Kieft on July 11, 1928, in Sioux Center, Iowa. She gradated from Sioux Center High School. She married Howard Franken on Aug. 4, 1948, at First Christian Reformed Church in Sioux Center. After their marriage, the couple farmed northeast of Sioux Center. In 1951 they moved to the farm southwest of Luverne. Mrs. Franken was a charter member of American Reformed Church in Luverne, where she was one of the first organists, playing for 30 years. She was also a Sunday School teacher for 30 years and was a member of the Ladies Aid, extension club, sewing club, and Luverne VFW Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed reading, handwork, flower gardening, cooking and family weekends at Round Lake in the summer. Survivors include her husband, Howard Franken, Luverne; two sons, Larry (Pam) Franken and Bryon (Kristi) Franken, all of Luverne; and one daughter, Cheryl (Gene) Edstrom, Luverne. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, Tammy Franken; Amy Hollander and friend, Travis; Becky Hollander and fiancé, Andy; Travis (Kairie) Franken; Matthew Franken; Carissa Franken and fiancé, Jason; Abbey Franken and fiancé, Ryan; Eric Edstorm and friend, Monica; and Serena Franken; four great-grandchildren, Zachory and Riley Hollander, Hailey Franken and Marshal Dammann; one brother, Howard (Gwen) Vande Kieft; and two sisters, Vivian Vander Veen, and Shirley (Paul) Van Zanten, all of Lynden, Wash.Mrs. Franken was preceded in death by her parents. Dingmann Funeral Home, Luverne, was in charge of arrangements.
