Irma Franke

Irma Laura (Ehrich) Franke, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, September 19, 2026. She was 95 years old. A funeral service will be held 11 AM Friday, September 25, 2026 at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Blue Earth with Pastor David Fretham officiating. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service. Interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Blue Earth, Minnesota.

Irma was born on March 20, 1931 to Walter and Ida (Hundt) Ehrich. She grew up in rural Elmore, where she learned from an early age the value of hard work. On June 1, 1952, Irma married her late husband, Harland and together they built a life centered around their family and building the family farm.

She was a devoted mother to Linda, Steven, Gary, Sandy, and Sheryl. Irma was a proud grandmother of 10 and a great-grandmother of 22, who loved watching her family grow and being part of many moments, big and small, which made up their lives. Her family was her greatest joy and she treasured the time they spent together.

Irma was a woman, who could do just about anything she set her mind to. Strong-willed and determined, she worked hard and never hesitated to lend a hand. Irma had a passion for cooking and was especially known for her homemade apple pies shared with family and neighbors.

She is survived by her children, Linda (David) Field from Walters, Gary Franke from Blue Earth, Sandy (Steve) Sonnicksen from Blue Earth, and Sheryl (Steve) Martin from Las Vegas, NV; 10 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

Irma was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harland; son, Steven; two great-grandchildren, Ethan and Kaden Culhane; brothers, Harlan, Arnold, Melvin, Willard, Ivan, and Eldon. She was the last remaining child of Walter and Ida Ehrich.