James “Jim” L. Frankki

1961-2021

James “Jim” L. Frankki, 59, Minneapolis, Minn., a former Medford area resident, died on Sunday, Mar. 21, 2021 at North Memorial Medical Center, Robbinsdale, Minn. where he had been a patient for the past three weeks. Funeral services for Jim will be at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Mar. 28 at Hemer Funeral Home, Medford with Jim Liubakka officiating. Burial will follow at Leavitt Creek Cemetery, Town of Hill, Price County. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m. on Sunday at the funeral home. Due to COVID concerns, masks will be required at the funeral home. Serving as pallbearers will be Stan Folz, Mike Skauge, Randy Hink, Paul, Kevin, Mike and Keith Frankki.

Jim was born on Aug. 9, 1961 at St. Croix Falls, the son of James Milton and Dorothy Ann (Skauge) Frankki. He attended Brookside Elementary School, was a graduate of Medford High School, was further educated at UW-Superior, studied overseas, UW extension-Marshfield Campus, received a Master’s Degree in German Language and Literature from Mississippi State University and received a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in German Literature (medieval) from UW-Madison.

He was previously married, later divorced, served in the Guards for five years, and served active duty in the US Army from 1986-1988. He worked as a teacher/ professor/lecturer for many different universities throughout the United States until ill health. Most recently he was employed as a German instructor at Augsburg University in Minneapolis. He spoke many foreign languages, enjoyed playing scrabble, participating in scrabble tournaments, Viking history, Greek mythology, German language and culture. He belonged to various Scrabble Clubs, The Minnesota Teachers Union, Freiburg-Madison Sister City exchange program, Madison Mannerchor, Modern Language Assn. and the Society for German American Studies.

Surviving are his parents, James and Dorothy Frankki; siblings, Cyndi (Mark) Ganter of Coon Rapids, Minn. and Perry Frankki of Anoka, Minn. Also surviving are four nieces/nephews; six great nieces/ nephews; many aunts; uncles; and cousins.

Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.

Paid Obituary 102542