PLEASE NOTE THE FUNERAL TIME HAS BEEN UPDATED TO 5:00 PM SUNDAY DUE TO THE WEATHER FORECAST FOR MONDAY.

Vernon Franklund, age 87 of Mandan, formerly of Wilton, ND, died Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at the Medcenter One Living Center in Mandan.

Funeral Services: 5:00 PM Sunday, March 29, 2009;
First Presbyterian Church – Wilton, ND;
Pastor Catherine Bliss, Officiating.

Interment: Riverview Cemetery – Wilton, ND (Spring 2009)

Visitation: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Sunday at First Presbyterian Church;
Monday, one hour prior to time of service.

Vernon A. Franklund was born July 4, 1921 at rural Wilton, ND to Erick & Anna (Brostrom) Franklund. He was raised on the family homestead in Painted Woods Township, Burleigh County, ND. Vernon attended rural school and later attended Wilton High School. He married Marjorie Peterson on Dec. 30, 1942 in Wilton. They made their home on the Franklund homestead for many years. Vernon was very active with the First Presbyterian Church, serving as a church elder and a member of the church choir. Music was a vital part of Vernon's daily life. He enjoyed singing with his wife Marjorie and played several musical instruments. He also enjoyed woodworking and restoring his musical instruments. Vernon was a member of the North Dakota Bluegrass Association for many years. He took great pride in his farming operation and was awarded the 1976 Burleigh County Soil Conservation Award. Vernon and Marjorie retired from the farm and later became residents of the Medcenter One Care Center in Mandan. Marjorie passed away in July 2007. Vernon cherished spending time with his family and was very proud of his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He is survived by one daughter, Sharon (Dalles) Schilling of Jamestown; three sons, Eric "Rick" (Cheryl) Franklund of Mandan, Keith (Lee) Franklund of Phoenix, AZ, & Les (Jan) Franklund of Bismarck; nine grandchildren, Tom & Bob Schilling, Dion Franklund, Connie Schafer, Dustan & Amanda Franklund, Tyler, Andrea, & Aaron Franklund; fourteen great-grandchildren; one sister, Florence McDaniel of Marysville, WA; one brother, Lawrence (Ruth) Franklund of Wilton; one sister-in-law, Shirley (Dick) Brewer of Bay Village, OH; and many special nieces & nephews.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, wife (Marjorie), four brothers (Victor, Arthur, Oscar, & Clarence); & three sisters (Mabel, Martha, & Edith).