Leah M. Frank, age 75 of Mapleton, MN died unexpectedly Friday, April 18th, 2025 at Mayo Clinic Health Systems-Mankato. A visitation will be Friday, April 25, 2025 from 4:00-7:00pm at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Mapleton. A memorial service will be Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 11:00am with a visitation starting an hour prior (10:00-11:00am) at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Mapleton with Pastor Steve Berkeland officiating. Burial will be held at Union Cemetery in Mapleton. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, Mapleton, or the Maple River Loaves & Fishes Food Shelf in Mapleton.
Leah Marie Frank was born November 11, 1949 to Wesley and Harriet (Grover) Bonnett in Winnebago, Minnesota. She had two younger sisters and one younger brother. She grew up on farms in Sterling township and graduated from Mapleton High School in 1967. Leah attended Augustana College in Sioux Falls SD and graduated with a degree in Physical Education. She began her teaching career at Amboy-Good Thunder High School.
On April 17, 1971, Leah married her high school sweetheart, Larry W. Frank, son of Wallace and Bertha Frank of Mapleton. She then spent many years working with the Frank family feed and grain businesses. Leah came back to teaching special education in the Maple River High School until her retirement. She had a great impact on her many students, helping them graduate and find employment. She loved learning new things, visiting new places and sharing them with those she cherished. Leah and Larry are the parents of two sons: Keith Frank, St. Louis MO and Kevin Frank, Springfield MO.
Leah was very active in her church, school, and township communities. She loved to travel with family and friends, play cards, and entertain while Larry cooked. She was never far from a bite of chocolate and always had a warm bottle of Coke nearby. Larry and Leah were often on the road, traveling to visit their sons in Missouri, their cabin in Northern Minnesota, or Panama City Beach in February. Keeping in contact and helping her family, many cousins and friends delighted her.
Leah is survived by husband Larry; sons: Keith (Kari) Frank, St. Louis MO and Kevin Frank, Springfield MO; sisters Bonnie Hansen, Columbia MO and Mary Jo (Dean) Leiding, Baudette MN; sister-in-law Edith Bonnett, Mapleton; grandsons Henry and Hudson Frank, St. Louis MO. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Dan.
I’m so saddened to hear this! Our sympathies to Larry and family
Paula and Bruce Ward
So sad… such a lovely, caring and fun lady! Prayers and caring thoughts go to Leah’s family!
So sorry to hear this. Our sympathies and prayers to Larry and their families.
I’m so sorry for your family’s loss! Leah was such a kind and fun woman!
So sad to hear about Leah! She will be missed. Sympathy to Larry and family.
So sorry to hear about Leah’s passing. She was such a kind lady.
Larry and family – so sorry for your loss.
Condolences to the whole family. Leah will be missed.
So sorry to hear this….she was a very special person with a kind heart
Im so sorry to hear this. My deepest sympathies to the family.
So saddened by this news. Leah was a special lady. Thoughts to Larry, Keith and Kevin.
A real champion for the students she was around always. A joy and tremendous asset to have in my classrooms, not only for “the kids”but always for me. Positivity and smiles were a guarantee if Mrs.Frank was around. Our area has lost MUCH. My heartfelt sympathy to All who loved and knew Leah!
prayers and condolences to Leh’s Family. she was such a nice lady
prayers and condolences to Leah’s Family. she was such a nice lady
We are so sad to hear about the loss of our friend Leah. She was such a kind person.
It was always fun to be in her presence listening and sharing stories.
Mrs. Frank was a kind, patient woman. She was the sole reason I was able to graduate high school. I am so very sorry to see this, and offer my sincere condolences to her family.
I echo Miranda and Mr. Jenzen’s comments. I had the privilege of working with Leah for years at the Maple River Schools. She was a fearless advocate for all of her students. Many walked across the stage proudly receiving their diplomas because of her dedication to her job. Well done good and faithful servant. Tom Hansen, Wells
It makes me smile thinking of Leah driving by in her golf cart on her way to visit the Sohre cabin. She always had a smile, wave or funny story that brought a laugh. My heart goes out to all who will miss her. May she rest in peace.
Such a shock to hear of Leah’s death. She was always such a friendly gal. Played bridge with her just a few days ago.
My Sympathy goes out to her family.