Matthew Vernon Franken, 44, Luverne, died peacefully on Tuesday, April 21, 2020, at his home.
In accordance with Minnesota Executive Order and CDC guidelines, a private family visitation was held. A ceremony to celebrate Matt’s life will be at a later date.
Matthew Franken was born on March 16, 1976, to Larry and Pamela (Harnack) Franken at the Luverne Community Hospital in Luverne. He was raised in Luverne and attended Luverne Public Schools, graduating from Luverne High School in 1994. He attended Dakota State University in Madison, South Dakota, for one year. He then went to Mankato for a short time before returning home to Luverne.
Matt first worked for Skattum Confinement constructing buildings and installing equipment. He then worked at the Luverne Building Center and later joined his brother’s crew at Franken Construction. Matt eventually began his own business in 2014, working as a drywall finisher.
Besides coaching hockey, which he loved, Matt played golf and was a member of the Luverne Country Club for many years. He enjoyed time with his family and lazy lake days. His nieces enjoyed jumping on his shoulders for a good game of “chicken” at the lake. He adored those same nieces and attended their events whenever he could. Matt genuinely cared for others and was welcoming to all.
Matt is survived by his parents, Larry and Pamela (Harnack) Franken, Luverne; three siblings, Tammy Crow (son Elijah) of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Travis (Kairie) Franken (children Hailey and Erik, Kenedee, and Tiana) of Luverne, and Abbey (Ryan) Behr (daughters Payton, Tenley, and Kendyl) of Luverne; aunts Cheryl Edstrom and Karen (Dale) Bosch; uncles Bryon (Kristi) Franken, Ron (Jan) Harnack and Alan (Zoe) Harnack; and many cousins.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Howard and Wilma Franken; maternal grandparents, Vernon and Fanny Harnack; and an uncle, Gene Edstrom.
Arrangements are provided by Hartquist Funeral Home of Luverne, www.hartquistfuneral.com.
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