June Franks

June Charlotte (Brown) Franks, 85, of Rochester, MN, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 6, 2024, at Eisenberg Hospital. She was born on June 23, 1939, in Cass Lake, MN, to Charles and Mamie Brown. In 1959, she married the love of her life, John Franks, in Rochester, MN. This year, they joyfully celebrated 65 years of marriage.
June is lovingly remembered by her son, Steve (Deb) Franks of Pine Island, MN; her daughters, Kari (Dean) Gansen of Riceville, IA, and Jill (Tim) Franks-Zavala of Jarrell Texas; her three grandchildren, Sara (Fernando) Franks-Marin, Elizabeth (Matthew) Jedlicka, and Christopher Gansen; and her great-grandson, Ryker Jedlicka.
She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Malissa, as well as four brothers and three sisters.
June graduated from high school in 1957 and began her career as a long-distance operator for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company, where she worked until 1964. Later, she became a licensed daycare provider for eight years and spent two years working at Rochester Cosmopolitan Health Spa. After overcoming cancer in 1977, June found new purpose at Rochester Methodist Hospital, where she worked at the front desk in the admissions department. She proudly retired 20 years later as a dedicated Mayo Clinic employee.
June's greatest joy was her family. After retirement, she embraced her love of travel, with her most memorable trips being to Hawaii and Alaska. In her later years, she cherished long drives during the summer and fall, exploring her favorite destinations and restaurants throughout Southeastern Minnesota. In quieter moments, June found fulfillment in writing poetry, with some of her work published in local publications. She also enjoyed reading, solving word search puzzles, and attending Peace United Church of Christ. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Memorial services will be held Monday September 30, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. at Peace United Church of Christ, 1503 2nd Ave NE, Rochester, MN 55906. Visitation will start at 10:00 am and a light lunch will follow the services.