Charles R. Franklin

FOREST CITY - Charles R. Franklin, age 91 of Forest City, died Tuesday, August 18, 2009 at his home in rural Forest City.



As per his wishes, his body has been cremated.



A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, August 24, 2009 at Faith Lutheran Church in Miller, Iowa with Lay Pastor Rose Visser officiating. Inurnment will be at Ellington Township Cemetery in rural Forest City.



Charles R. Franklin was born on June 13, 1918, in Liberty Township, Hancock County, near Garner, Iowa. He attended school in Garner and graduated from Garner High School. He farmed with his father for a brief time.



On August 1, 1936 he was united in marriage to Ovedeia Geneva Palmer. The couple made their home in rural Forest City for over 60 years. Charles worked his whole life for the Forest City Mill Works, retiring in 1980 as a cabinet maker.



After retiring, he was an active volunteer in his community. He worked in Scouting, was a Lions Club member for 43 years and a long-time member of Faith Lutheran Church in Miller, where he had taught Sunday School. He was an avid reader, loved to keep a big garden, enjoyed watching the birds and was a "Hall of Fame" bowler at the Super Bowl in Forest City.



Charles is survived by three children: Roger (Janette) Franklin of Forest City; Katherine (Edwin) Shepard of Forest City and Karen (Don) Cassels of Altoona, IA. Also surviving are 7 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and 9 great-great-grandchildren.



Charles was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and three brothers.