Franklin R. Stork
January 7, 1938 ~ June 25, 2024
Franklin R. Stork, 86, of Jefferson City, passed away Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born in Dante, South Dakota on January 7, 1938, the son of W.A. “Fred” Stork and Irene (Cihak) Stork. He graduated from Wagner High School in 1956.
He served in the United States Navy from 1957-1961 as an Aviation Electronics Technician. He earned his Navy Air Crewmen Wings and served aboard an Early Warning Patrol aircraft flying missions off Midway Island. His patrol squadron, VW-14, was home based at Barbers Point NAS at the entrance of Pearl Harbor. Franklin advanced to Electronics Crew Chief of his multi-engine aircraft and was honorably discharged with the rank of Petty Officer First Class.
Franklin earned his BS Degree in Business from USD/Springfield in 1963.
He was united in marriage to Suzanne E. Behrend of Parkston, SD in 1962, and they were blessed with 62 years together.
Franklin worked in Rural Electrification throughout his 42-year career. His employment included assignments in South Dakota, Alabama, and Missouri. He retired in 2005 as Executive Vice-President and Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives. He was elected to represent Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri on the National Legislative Committee and served as Chairman of the Committee for 21 years. He also served as a member and officer of numerous committees and organizations within the national rural electrification program.
In retirement, Franklin taught English as a second language, drove hospital vans for the VA and served as a director and chairman of the Missouri State Fair Foundation.
Franklin was awarded the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s highest Service Award in 2006. During his career, he was recognized as the CCA Communicator of the Year, and the recipient of the George W. Haggard Journalism Award. He was inducted into the Missouri Cooperative Hall of Fame in 2003.
Franklin and Suzanne are the parents of four children: daughters, Julie Starr, Parker, Colorado; Judi Shipley and husband Curt, Jefferson City, MO; Nancy Hoey and husband John, Kansas City, MO; and son, John Stork and wife Heather of St. Louis, MO; twelve grandchildren: Taylor, Rachael and Ellissa Starr, Morgan, Nolan (Kirsten),and Claire Shipley, Sam (Emma) and Maya Heckart, Jack and Luke Stork, Mallorie (Jesse) Lee-Brockhoff and Jack Hoey; and two great-grandchildren, Cohen Shipley and Ava Lee-Brockhoff.
Funeral services will be held at the Cathedral of St. Joseph on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Matthew Flatley officiating. Frank did not like funeral visitations but he sure loved to visit. A celebration of life, laughter, and storytelling will take place after the funeral at 324 E. Capitol Avenue from 12-4 p.m. All family and friends are encouraged to attend.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Discalced Carmelites or to the Food Bank of Central and Northeast Missouri.
Services entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City. trimblefunerals.com
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Missouri Rural Electric Coop. has purchased Peace Lily for Franklin Stork
Pat and Dara McHugh has purchased Blossoming Heart for Franklin Stork
During my service as CEO the Grand Canyon State Electric Cooperative Association (Arizona Statewide), I benefited greatly from Frank’s knowledge and wisdom. He was an outstanding and highly respected leader in the electric cooperative movement. I considered him a mentor and friend. Diana and I offer our condolences to Frank’s family and many friends. RIP Frank Stork.
I had the pleasure of having dinner with Frank at Domenico’s in Jeff City several years ago. Frank shared several intriguing stories about his time in Alabama which occurred during the civil rights period. I told him that he should write a book. From what I have heard about Frank since our dinner together, I’d say he could have written a best seller. Rest in peace, my friend!
Susie (or Susie Q as I remember Frank calling you), please know that Steve and I are thinking of you and your family with much love.
Susan and family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. May the support and love of family and friends help you during this difficult time. Treasure all the happy memories. May he Rest In Peace. Again, my deepest sympathy to you all.
Remembering Franklin in Dante! So enjoyed communicating with him over the past few years and will miss his memories of the Cihak clan. Rest in peace cousin!
Tom Burke & the Syntegra Team has purchased Boundless Love for Franklin Stork
Mike Knotts has purchased Designer’s Choice Arrangement for Franklin Stork
Our prayers and sympathy go to the Stork family from Frank’s home town of Dante, SD. Any of us that grew up around and with Frank have some great stories and loving memories of him. You are in our prayers during this difficult time. May Frank rest in peace. He will always be remembered by the senior citizens of Dante as a kind, warm, respected, loving man that never forgot his roots. God bless you.
My prayers and sympathy,to the Stork family Frank my friend I grew up with so sorry to hear of his passing many wonderful memories God bless all of you.
Frank was a lifelong friend and colleague. Many good times and memories. Rest easy Frank.
Barry and Laura Hart has purchased 12″ Dishgarden for Franklin Stork
Dave Ericka and Radek Kotab has purchased Treasured Memories Floor Basket – Blue for Franklin Stork
Angela and I were touched to learn about Frank’s passing. He was a friend, a collogue and he set a high bar for the rest of us to meet. We are very grateful for his phone calls and cards. We extend our deepest sympathy to Susan and the Stork family. Rest in Peace my Friend. A life well lived and a job well done.
Frank often traveled with me to cooperative meetings and if he saw a hitch hiker or beggar along the road would observe that ” There goes an old retired Statewide Manager”
Frank hired me out of College and I was lucky to be his friend for 42 years. He was a legend in the rural electric cooperative movement and Missouri’s Electric Co-ops were lucky the Board of Directors hired him. Those of us who worked for him were lucky too!