April 23 1958 April 19 2020
Craig’s Obituary Sioux Falls, SD ~ Craig Allen Franken, age 61, passed away Sunday April 19, 2020 of complications of Covid-19. His family is having a memorial drive by visitation at their home, 102 South Van Eps Avenue in Sioux Falls on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A public celebration of his life get together will be planned at a later date when things are safe to get together. Family requests in lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Sioux Falls Humane Society. Craig was born on April 23, 1958 to George and Cordellia (Erickson) Franken in Madison, SD. He graduated from Washington High School in Sioux Falls, SD in May 1976. Following high school, Craig served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged on April 18, 1979. Craig started with John Morrell and Company (now Smithfield Foods), that same year and was very proud of his 40th anniversary with them. He was looking forward to retiring from there in the next couple of years. On March 30, 1980 Craig’s first wife gave birth to his pride and joy Candy. Candy and her husband Justin Bohm have two daughters Paige (age 13) and Maddy (age 9). Those girls were the apple of their grandpa’s eye. He would have done anything for them. Craig married Karen Long on April 29, 2000. They would have celebrated their 20th anniversary in a week. Craig was an avid Star Wars fan. He loved the Raiders, and was ready to follow them to Las Vegas, NV. He loved to golf with Karen and his friends as often as possible, weather permitting. Karen and Craig also loved going to Rock and Roll concerts, and he had so many shirts to show for it. Craig was known for his 4th of July party, he looked forward to the 4th of July the all year long, as did all of his family. He always said you may have come through the gate as a friend but you are leaving as part of our family. Craig was very proud of smoking the Ribs and Brisket, getting up early and watching them all morning long. Craig may have looked hard on the outside but he was a softie on the inside. He would do anything for his family and friends and will be missed greatly. Bob Bohm said it wonderfully, “The single most important description and salute for a person relates to the connection they have with family and those who love them. Craig was a great husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother in law, uncle and beloved friend to many people. He is loved and missed and will always have a place in our hearts”. Grateful to have shared his life is his wife, Karen Franken; his daughter, Candy (Justin) Bohm; two granddaughters, Paige and Maddy; sister, Georgianne (Jeff) Goldie; two brothers, Randy (Hennie) Franken and Dennis (Linda) Franken; sister-in-law, Cathy (Dwayne) Howard; nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles and friends too many to even try to list; and also his new kitty, Karma. Craig was preceded in death by his parents, George and Cordellia “Cordie” Franken; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Arlie and Myrna Long; and his special pups Spike & Buzz. Read More
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Craig Allen Franken April 23 1958 April 19 2020.
Death notice for the town of: Brandon, state: South Dakota