Lorene Franklin

Lorene Katherine Franklin, 94, of Atwood, died Aug. 16, 2016 at Good Samaritan Society, Atwood. Lorene was the first of three children born to Mathias and Bertha (Allacher) Leinwetter. She was born at their farm house south of Herndon.

Lorene grew up in Herndon where the family had moved. She attended Herndon schools and graduated from high school in 1940. After school, Lorene received a teaching certificate and began teaching in rural one-room country schools near Herndon. She taught from 1941 to 1947.

On June 1, 1947 Lorene married George W. Franklin in Herndon, KS. They settled on the original Franklin farm northwest of Atwood which was owned by George’s parents. Five children were born to this union.

She was a member of United Methodist Church of Atwood, United Methodist Women, Circle, and Eastern Star. In her spare time she enjoyed crafts, coloring, playing cards, especially with the “Merry Twelve Club” and solving puzzles. She loved to have her family over for the holidays where she would cook and bake for everyone. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Lorene is preceded in death by: her husband and her grandson Gabriel William Franklin.

She is survived by her daughters, Joyce (Bruce) Mai, WaKeeney, Marilyn (Terry) Kastens, Atwood, Sharon (Kerry) Adams, Monte Vista, CO and Barb (Jim) Hendrickson, WaKeeney; son, Dennis (Kim) Franklin, Atwood; 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Thursday, August 18, from 4 to 7 pm at Baalmann Mortuary, Atwood. Funeral service will be on Friday, August 19, at 10 am, at the United Methodist Church of Atwood. Burial will follow at the Fairview Cemetery, Atwood. Memorials are suggested to United Methodist Church of Atwood, in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences, visit www.baalmannmortuary.com