Leota “Lee” Franklin, 92, died early Friday morning on February 12, 2010 at Valley Eldercare Center in Grand Forks, ND where she had lived for the past few months. Prior to that, she had been a resident at Good Samaritan Heritage Oaks, an independent living facility in East Grand Forks, for six years.
Born in Malcolm, MN on March 13, 1917, Lee and her parents, Frank and Elsie Lerum and siblings moved to Crookston, MN shortly thereafter where she was raised and where she raised her own family. She then moved to East Grand Forks in 1962 when she married George “Buster” Franklin. She made her home there for many years, and she and George spent their winters in Mesa, AZ with many East Grand Forks friends and relatives. She loved to travel until six months ago when she moved into Valley Eldercare in declining health.
Survivors include a daughter, Carolee Groux and husband Norm of Omaha, NE; a son Robert of Houston, TX; a granddaughter Kelly Irwin, husband Tony, and great grandchildren Alex, Sophie, and Chloe Irwin of Omaha, NE; a sister Elba Harstad of Apple Valley, CA; a sister-in-law Lorraine Lerum of Crookston, MN; a brother-in-law Loren Knudson of Grand Forks, ND; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were first husband Gus Sabin in 1956, second husband George Franklin in 1999, brother Gale Lerum in January 2010, sister Bette Jane Knudson in 1998, sister Frances Sands in 1992, and brother Robert Lerum in 1967.
A Memorial Service for Lee Franklin will be held later this Spring in East Grand Forks. Stennes Funeral Home will handle the arrangements, and burial will be in Oakdale Cemetery in Crookston. Memorial contributions in Lee Franklin’s name can be made to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in East Grand Forks.
