Michelle Sue Franker was born October 6, 1961 in Spencer, Iowa to Merlyn and Norma (Elser) Kriens. She died September 20, 2016 at Dougherty Hospice in Sioux Falls at the age of 54 years, 11 months and 14 days.

Michelle was raised on a farm near Royal, Iowa and graduated from high school there before attending Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, IA. She graduated with her degree in teaching and music theory. She married Kevin Franker June 9, 1984 at St Louis Catholic Church in Royal, Iowa. They moved to Kansas City, MO and then to Kearney, MO where they lived for 15 years. The couple then moved their young family to Viborg, SD where they have lived the past 19 years.

She was a teacher her entire adult life; teaching 3rd grade, homeschooling her three children and she taught piano lessons.  Most recently Michelle was working with the Parker Learning Center Child Care. Music was important to her and hardly a day passed without her playing her piano. She was very active in the music ministry in her church. Michelle loved spending time with her family and cooking for them.

She is survived by her husband, Kevin Franker of Viborg; two sons, Steven (Elizabeth) Franker of Bethel, MN and David of Rapid City; daughter, Maria (Landen) Geerdes of Watertown and their future child; her parents, Merlyn and Norma Kriens of Royal, IA; her in-laws, Bob and Iris Franker of Spencer, IA; and two sisters, Theresa (Dan) McCarty of Alton, IA and Beth (Kelly) Ney of Primghar, IA. Her infant son, Jonathan David Franker preceded her in death.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30AM Friday, September 23, 2016 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Centerville. Visitation will be 4-8PM Thursday at the church with the family present from 6-8PM and a prayer service at 7PM.