Julia Anne Franken

Julia Anne Franken, 88, of Rochester, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 13, 2019 at St. Marys Hospital. Julia was born January 11, 1931 in Red Lake Falls, MN to Louis and Florence (Noel) Roy. She attended St. Joseph grade school and Lafayette High School both in Red Lake Falls. After her first year of high school, Julia went on to Mount St. Benedict in Crookston to start her novitiate. She left the order and came to Rochester, where she would meet and marry Bill Franken on July 23, 1955. Together, Bill and Julia operated Warning Lites, Inc for over 28 years. Julia enjoyed ballroom dancing, singing in the church choir, playing organ, bingo, Wii bowling and watching her children and grandchildren over the years play in various sporting activities. Over the years, Julia was a member of the Eagles, American Legion and the V.F.W. She was also a member of Pax Christi Catholic Church where she was a faithful servant. Julia was kind, compassionate and generous with her time. She had a genuine spirit and was known for her beautiful smile. Julia is survived by her children, Susan Franken, John Franken, Christie (Beth Ihry) Franken, Michael (Rhonda) Franken, Bill (Brenda) Franken; 10 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; siblings, Lucille Dufault, Louis (Pauline) Roy, Evelyn Larson, Eraine Faust, Madonna Stickel, Philip Roy, Dennis (Audrey) Roy, Anthony Roy, John (Mary) Roy, Jean (Marcel) LaJesse ; sister-in-law, Gloria Roy; longtime companion, Art Schmidt and a host of other family and friends. Julia was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; brothers, Lawrence and Gerald and her parents. A mass of Christian burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 17, 2019 at Pax Christi Catholic Church, 4135 18th Ave. NW, Rochester. Visitation will be held 4:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 16, 2019 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW, with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. There will also be visitation from 10:00 a.m. until time of mass at the church on Friday. Father Thomas Loomis will be the celebrant with interment at Grandview Memorial Gardens. The family wishes to thank The Mayo Clinic staff for their compassionate care. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Franken family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com