Francis Booge

FRANCIS MARTIN "FRANNY" BOOGE January 31, 1928 - December 4, 2014 Francis Martin "Franny" Booge, age 86, a long time Nevis, MN resident, peacefully entered into Christ's Heavenly Kingdom on Thursday morning, December 4, 2014 at the Heritage Living Center in Park Rapids surrounded by his loved ones. Franny was born on January 31, 1928 in Palmer, Iowa to Romanus Martin and Mary Jane (Auten) Booge. He began his formal education at parochial school near his boyhood home in Iowa. As a young teenager, he moved with his parents to the farm in Henrietta Township, on the western shore of beautiful Lake Belle Taine, where he lived until his death. Franny continued his education at Kruft Country School, Nevis High School and Agriculture School in Grand Rapids where he graduated in 1947. Franny then returned to the home farm and engaged in farming with his parents. He enjoyed the good and honest work of farming. On August 17, 1948, Franny's life was made complete with his marriage to his precious soul mate, Muriel Dudley. Together they were blessed with nine children and devoted themselves to working together in raising their large family and operating their farm. In addition, Franny worked at Wilkins Feed and Seed in Park Rapids for many years. Franny was a genuine "Jack of All Trades" he could repair most anything and had a knack for making something from nearly nothing. This not only benefited his family; but, his neighbors as well. In his leisure time Franny enjoyed woodworking, hunting, vegetable and flower gardening, working jig saw puzzles, playing cards and games and visiting with family and friends. Much of Franny's life centered around his faith in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and his church family at First English Lutheran Church of Dorset. He was confirmed on March 30, 1952. Thru the years he sang in the choir, belonged to several organizations and served the congregation in many capacities. In his later years, he enjoyed fellowshipping with his church family as often as he could. Above all, Franny devoted his life to his precious wife, his children and his three generations of grandchildren who he enjoyed, and loved with all his heart. Francis will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 66 years, Muriel; daughter-in-law, Suzie Booge of Bemidji; son, Kelly (Margaret) Booge of Bemidji; seven daughters: Cheryl Crist and Lois (Jerry) Avenson all of Park Rapids; Rita "RJ" (Cordell) Princetyn Kelley of Baltimore, MD, Valerie (Rick) Quayle of Bagley, Shelly "Toni" (Jim Kramer) Coy of Akeley, Tami (Mark Chelette) Boogechelette of Navarre, FL, and Kristi (Jason) Kath of Kent, WA; 28 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren; his sister Kay MacVey of Ames, IA; as well as numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews. Francis was preceded in death by his parents; brother and sister-in-law, Vincent and Rita Booge; son, Roger Booge; son-in-law, Charles Crist and grandson, Jeremy Quayle. Visitation: 5:00-7:30 PM Friday, December 12 at Jone-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids and on Saturday one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorial Service: 11:00 AM Saturday, December 13, 2014 at the First English Lutheran Church in Dorset with the Reverend Chris Davis officiating. The organist will be Lila Kalish and soloist, Randy Anderson, will sing "The Lord's Prayer". The urn bearers will be long time friends and neighbors, Dwaine & Donna McCullion and Darrel & Janet Gruis. The honorary urn bearers will be all of Franny's grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. Interment will be in the Dudley Memorial Cemetery in the summer. A luncheon will be hosted by the church following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Heritage Living Center, Living At Home/Park Rapids, and the First English Lutheran Church in Dorset. To leave online condolences or view the video tribute, please visit www.jonespearson.com.