Leona Alice Franke

Leona Franke, 87, Bismarck, went peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior on February 4, 2012, at the Baptist Home, Bismarck. Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, February 7, at Bismarck Baptist Church 2211 LaForest Avenue, Bismarck, with the Rev. Merle Hoots officiating. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Bismarck. Visitation will be held from 2:00 pm until 7:00 pm Monday, February 6, at Eastgate Funeral Service, Bismarck, where a prayer service will begin at 7:00 pm. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Leona was born July 1, 1924, to Otto and Julia Stolz Miller. She graduated from Turtle Lake High School in 1942. Leona was employed as a clerk typist for 3 years at the ACA office in Garrison, ND. She then accepted a position with the Seventh Ferrying Command at the Bismarck Airport. After marrying Arnold Franke on January 7, 1945, they lived on a farm east of Turtle Lake. A daughter, Claudia, was born on July 20, 1947. In the fall of 1947, Leona and Arnold moved into Turtle Lake and owned and operated the Red Owl store. In 1956, they moved to Bismarck where Leona worked at the North Dakota Worker's Compensation Bureau for 28 years. Leona was an active member of the Bismarck Baptist Church and was a past president of the Women's Fellowship. Leona was known for her hospitality, cooking, and enjoyed being with her family and friends. Leona and Arnold took several trips together visiting every state except Hawaii. Leona is survived by her husband, Arnold, Bismarck; one daughter, Claudia Dennis Schulz, Napoleon; three grandchildren: Wayde Dawn Schulz, Bismarck; Amy Andrew Prokop, Bismarck; and Ryan Heather Schulz, West Fargo; six great grandchildren: Tristan and Brayten Schulz; Avery and Brady Prokop; Klayton Rau and Coby Schulz; three sisters: Helen Lee, Renton, WA; JoAnn Ronald Freborg, Turtle Lake, ND; and Barbara Dick Schulz, Harvey, ND; one brother: James Miller, Hazen, ND; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister; and two brothers. Memorials may be given to the Baptist Home chapel building fund.

Leona Alice Franke

July 1, 1924 - February 4, 2012