Franklin Michael Lyons was born August 9, 1949 in Breckenridge, MN to William and Doris (Froemke) Lyons. He graduated from Lisbon High School and went on to play football at Mayville State for one year. He then attended North Dakota State College of Science. Franklin married Connie Hoff on September 6, 1969 in Lisbon. He enlisted in the United States Army in October 1969. He had several assignments, including one tour in Vietnam, and was discharged in 1972. He went back to farming with his brothers until he and Connie were able to purchase their own farm in 1974. In addition to farming, Frank started working part-time for the Post Office in 1988 and took a full-time route in 1995. He retired in 2002 after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Even after passing the farm on to his sons, he was always there to give advice and continued to run the combine during harvest through 2016. Frank was a member of St Aloysius Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, and the Lisbon Eagles. He served on the Cenex Board of Directors and as a supervisor for Casey Township. He taught CCD classes and was also a 4H leader.
Frank loved to sing and shared his music with many during church services, weddings and funerals. His favorite music to listen to was Johnny Cash. He loved spending time with his family and never passed up the opportunity to visit, whether it was with an old friend or someone he just met. His grandchildren were his pride and joy and he spent countless hours discussing farming, sports and teaching them to play chess. Throughout the many years of his illness, he was strong and did not complain. He would never burden anyone with his problems. His strong faith was evident in all parts of his life and he was a fine example of what love of God, family and country should be.
Surviving Franklin are his wife of 51 years, Connie, and children Darrin (Amy) and Matthew (Sara) of Lisbon; grandchildren Zachary (Mattie), Elizabeth, Lydia, Ethan, Grant, Gabriel, Brock and Eli; siblings Lolly (John) Suter of Bismarck, ND, Bud (Carmen) of Lisbon, Jim (JoAnne) of Lisbon, LuJean (Warren) Nohr of Vergas, MN, Lewis (Donna) of Lisbon; sisters-in-law Rita (Doug) Krchnavy of Lisbon, Barb Lyons of Lisbon and Holly Lyons of Langdon, ND ; his special Godchild Amy (Richard) Gramlow of Fullerton, ND, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law Wayne Hoff, mother-in-law June Hoff, brothers Leo and Dennis Lyons, sister Rebecca Lyons and daughter Michelle.
Franklin passed away on Sunday, October 25, 2020, at Essentia Hospital in Fargo, ND at the age of 71.
Masks are required for those attending visitation and Funeral Service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 2829 University Avenue SE, Ste 900, Minneapolis, MN 55414.
The service will be live streamed on the St. Aloysius Catholic Church facebook page.
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