Larry Duane Franklin was born December 22, 1947 at Hampton, Iowa, and died July 13, 2017.

     He graduated from high school in California, then went on to graduate from Texas A & M with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Minot, ND, became his home as a nightclub owner. He was also blessed with two children. In 1975, he met Sheryl, and married her in 1977. They became a melded family with her daughters.  They moved to Bismarck, ND, in 1978 where they built an entertainment enterprise including supporting ventures. In 1991, they settled at Mina Lake and continued to build businesses together.

     Larry was an avid sportsman. He loved the outdoors and was compelled to be near water. In earlier years, he enjoyed duck, goose, pheasant and deer hunting. He became an enthusiastic walleye fisherman. With a partner, he won First Place for several fishing tournaments. True to his love of the outdoors, he was also a passionate golfer. He felt fortunate to have played numerous courses across America.

     Above all, Larry loved people and pets. It was a daily mission for him to see as many people as he could and genuinely cared about each of them. Many he greeted as "Kid" or "Kido" and always greeted them with a smile or treat. Many became "Dear Friends". He was well known and appreciated for his compassion and generosity.  Larry had an unfailing positive attitude toward life. No matter what he faced, he honestly believed it would work out. He embraced life with a passion and believed in enjoying each day to the fullest.

     He will be missed tremendously by his wife, Sheryl; their children: Sean Franklin, Stephanie Lawson, Tammy Liebelt and Tiffany Wilson; their grandchildren, Sabrina and Eric Franklin, Kayla and Austin Liebelt and Parker and Peri Wilson; and countless friends.

     Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Erskine and Elizabeth Franklin and his brother, Douglas Franklin.

     A memorial service will be held Monday, July 31st at 11:00 a.m. at Schriver’s Memorial Fellowship Center, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, with a reception following.