Martin Lester Franko

Martin Lester Franko, 95, passed away on Friday, September 4, 2026, at Field Crest Care Center in Hayfield, MN.

Marty was born on the family farm near Clayton, WI on January 21, 1931, to William and Caroline (Dash) Franko. He was the fourth child of twelve. Marty attended school through 10th grade in Clayton and worked on the farm through his school years. He had numerous other jobs including working at the bowling alley, putting up fences, ranch hand, foundry work, and on a dairy farm where he milked many cows, pitched tons of manure, and shoveled many loads of corn.

In November of 1949, Marty enlisted in the US Air Force and attended basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. After basic training he trained to be an aircraft mechanic at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, TX. From there he went to Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, NE.

Marty had met his future wife Glennis Jane Saxton “Glenny” at Maroo’s Tavern in Dodge Center, MN, in 1948. They married at the Dodge Center Methodist Church on January 20, 1951. Marty continued to serve in the US Air Force and was stationed at two bases in Korea through 1952. Upon returning to the US, he was stationed at Dow Air Force Base in Bangor, Maine and worked on the Alert Crew until November 1953.

Returning home from the service he worked at the same dairy farm until the spring of 1954 when he decided to rent a farm south of Dodge Center. He bought dairy cows, farmed with his father-in law, did custom silo filling, and hauled livestock and feed to and from St. Paul and many loads of lime to the Hayfield area. In 1959, Marty (and Glenny) bought a 240-acre farm in Pine County, MN, near Askov. Marty continued hauling livestock, custom silo filling, plowing, and hauling freight back to the Askov area. In 1961, they bought a farm in Dodge County, near Wasioja, milking cows, raising hogs and hay, oats, corn, soybeans, and loving his family of eight children. He also worked for Green Giant company during harvest and continued custom silo filling and livestock hauling (including for Farmers Union where he was president in 1962). In addition to farming, in 1963, Marty worked for VonRudens in Claremont as a machinist. In 1965, he began working for Midland Constructors of Dodge Center as equipment/shop manager and truck driver. In 1985, after Midland Constructors closed, he started Sunrise Sales and Service in Dodge Center building specialized utility trailers and doing auto, truck, trailer, and boat motor repair with his sons.

After retiring, Marty and Glenny continued living on the farm, renting out the farmland. Marty enjoyed watching sports, attending family sporting events, fishing, playing cards and games with the kids and grandkids, watching birds, gardening, and traveling from coast to coast visiting family and friends along the way. He treasured gathering with family and friends for the holidays and other occasions.

In 2023, they moved to Prairie Meadows Senior Living in Kasson, MN, where he resided until his recent move to Field Crest Care Center.

Marty is survived by his 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) Schieck, Chris (AJ) Franko, Brent (Tanelle) Franko, Jeannine Franko, Brett (Ashton) Franko, Danielle Franko, Rylee Franko, Shane (Alysha) Mlenar, Garrett (Jessi) Franko, Shelby Franko, Brock (Mackenzie) Franko, Morgan Franko, Kylie Franko; 27 great-grandchildren all of which he truly cherished and adored; sisters Jeanne Schoel, Linda Elden, Marion Gilbertson; brothers Don (Pete) Franko, Jim Franko, Richie Franko, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Glenny; son, Bruce; parents; brothers, Archie, William III, Albert, Lawrence, and Jerry.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, September 12, 2026, at United Methodist Church, 20 1st St NE in Dodge Center, MN with Rev. Dr. Daren Flinck officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of his service at the church. Interment will be in Wildwood cemetery in Wasioja, MN with military honors provided by the Dodge Center American Legion Post 384. A luncheon will follow at the Dodge Center American Legion, 401 Hwy St W in Dodge Center, MN.

Memorials are preferred to Wildwood Cemetery, United Methodist Church, American Legion Post 384, or Mantorville VFW. The family extends special thanks to the staff of Field Crest Care Center, Mayo Hospice, Prairie Meadows Senior Living, and St. Croix Hospice for the wonderful care given to Marty. Thank you also to the Dodge Center United Methodist women for donating the desserts provided for the luncheon.

To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com, Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 25 South Street SW Dodge Center, MN 55927 (507) 374-2155. Blessed be his memory.