Jeanne Franklin

JEANNE F. FRANKLIN
Age 77 of Cottage Grove. Passed away peacefully on February 11th, 2017 after a courageous, long standing fight with heart disease. Loving mother of Paul(Keri) Olson, Heidi Olson, Grandchildren Mollie(Eric) Ellingsworth, Lauren Olson and Ryan Olson and two great grandchildren. Sisters Kaye(Bill) Willhite, and Donna Esselman. Close friend, Gaston Riva. Along with many cousins and friends. Preceded in death by husband John Franklin and 1st husband David V Olson, parents Frank and Arlene Esselman and brother Bob.

Jeanne was born in St Cloud, MN where she and all her siblings grew up. She loved school, to read, and play the organ at church on Sundays. She attended college at Bemidji State University and graduated with a teaching degree. Her first teaching job was at St Cloud Tech High School. Her first husband, David, was active duty military so she spent the next number of years living back and forth from the United States to other countries such as Saudi Arabia and Germany, in that time having both of her children. She held a number of teaching jobs within the military civilian base and soaked up every bit of travel she could. Traveling was one of her many passions.

After marrying her second husband, John, she moved to Cottage Grove with him to be near her son and his family, where she worked for the Community Education department of school District 833. After retiring she spent her time volunteering with the senior center, and at United Hospital. She loved getting to know every person that walked through the doors daily. She had the gift of talking to anyone about anything and enjoyed every moment. She loved spending time with her family and many friends.

Please join us in celebration of Jeanne's life at St. Rita's Catholic Church in Cottage Grove on Friday February 24th, 2017 at 11am. Lunch will follow. We ask that any contributions be made in the name of Jeanne F Franklin to the American Heart Association or The Majorie McNeely Conservatory.