Franklin Mathews

Franklin Clarence Mathews, age 91 of Douglas, passed away on March 22, 2024 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester.

Franklin was born on March 13, 1933 to John and Mabel (Ball) Mathews on the farm in Elba, MN. He grew up in the Elba area and attended country school until 8th grade. After school he worked with his dad on the farm and did many odd jobs around the area. On May 22, 1954, Franklin married Kathryn "Kay" Jones in Douglas. Together they moved to Douglas and started their family and their own farm.

Franklin enjoyed fishing, tinkering on small engines, going to stock car races and helping his sons on their farms. His prize possession was his 1937 Allis-Chalmers WC tractor which he loved to take to the tractor pulls. He and Kay would also drive their motor home down to Florida for the winters.

Franklin is survived by his children Terry (Rhonda), Nancy (Mark) Kuhlmann, Duane, and Roger (Julie); six grandchildren Tony (Tracie) Mathews, Crystal (Jaime Martinez) Mathews, Markie (Angie) Kuhlmann, Larame (Jonna Lagunas) Kuhlmann, Katrina (Spencer) Maass, Mason Mathews; several great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild on the way; brother Alvin; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Kay; infant son Dennis; and siblings Keith Mathews and Lorraine Geerdes.

Funeral Service will be held at 11AM on Thursday, March 28th, at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN 55901. Burial will take place in Grandview Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 4-7PM on Wednesday, March 27th, at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes and one hour prior to the funeral on Thursday.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Mathews family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com