The funeral service for Franklin C. Durgin will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 2nd, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Plainview, with Pastor Scott Hirssig officiating. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery in Plainview with Military Rites by the Plainview American Legion and Wabasha VFW.

Mr. Durgin, 94, of Plainview, MN died Monday morning, November 25, 2013 at Maple Manor Health Care in Rochester.

Franklin Charles Durgin was born September 11, 1919 in Plainview, MN to Delbert (Dell) and Bertha (Appel) Durgin. He attended Wabasha County Schools and lived his lifetime as a resident of the Plainview area. Franklin was drafted into the US Army with four others from the Plainview area and served his country during WWII. On April 16, 1942 he married Betty Tyler at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Plainview.

Franklin and Betty owned and operated The Durgin Family Trucking Co for 53 years, he also was a Livestock Dealer for many years. He enjoyed playing golf, traveling, and winters in Arizona with friends, bowling, hunting, playing cards and Bingo. Frank was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Plainview. Franklin was a lifetime member of both the Burkhardt-Roemer VFW Post #4086 of Wabasha and the Plainview American Legion Post #179, for 67 years, where he served as Commander, Sergeant at Arms, served on the Executive Board, and Bingo Caller for many years. He was also a member of Disabled American Veterans, Purple Heart Association, and the 4th Armored Division Association, He served in 66th Field Artillery on the front line in the Third Army under General George Patton. Most recently he was appointed Knight of Chevalier of the Legion of Honor, a decree of President Sarkozy of France. It is a sign of France's infinite gratitude and appreciation for his personal and precious contribution to the United States' decisive role in the liberation of France during WWII.

Franklin is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Betty M. Durgin of Plainview; one daughter, Sharon (Thomas) Hanson of Rochester; two sons, Roger (Sharon) of Plainview, and Richard (Rodine) Durgin of Gainesville, FL; 7 grandchildren, Cynthia (John) Berg, Ronald (Catherine) Durgin, Randy Durgin, Brian(Mary) Durgin, Lisa Durgin, Franklin Durgin-Hanson, and Jesse Hanson; 4 great-grandchildren, Richard and Hank Kahn, Monica Berg and Emmerich Durgin; and 1 great-great-grandchildren, Ashlynn Kahn; and one sister, Marilyn (Jim) Krusmark of Plainview. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Donald (Lucille), and Raymond (Helen); two sisters, Evelyn (Keith) Runyan, and Dorothy (Don) Boncel; and one granddaughter, Iris.

Friends and family may visit from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 1st, at Schleicher Funeral Homes, Plainview Chapel in Plainview and one hour prior to the service at the Church on Monday.