Watch Franklyn's Memorial Service Here

Franklyn David Preisler, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and community leader, passed away surrounded by his family on February 22, 2025, at the age of 87.

Born on June 29, 1937, in Mahnomen, MN, to Frank and Pearl Preisler, Franklyn lived his entire life on the family homestead later celebrated as a Century Farm.

Franklyn married the love of his life, Mary Nell Halvorson, on September 9, 1961. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, family, and farming, raising their children with strong values of hard work, integrity, and kindness. Franklyn cherished his family above all else, finding his greatest joy in time spent with loved ones. He was a constant source of support, encouragement, and pride for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

An active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Franklyn dedicated his time to various leadership roles within the congregation. His passion for agriculture and conservation was evident through his involvement in numerous organizations, including serving as Mahnomen County King Agassiz, Conservation County Farm Couple, and County Valley Farmer & Homemaker. He was a respected Mahnomen County 4-H leader and Advisory Board member, a life member of the MN Adult Volunteer Association, and a strong supporter of FFA, often hosting farm tours for students.

Throughout his life, Franklyn served on many boards, including the Soil & Water Conservation Board, County Shipping Association, Beef Council, Gregory Township, County Fair, Bejou Co-op Store, Farmers Home Administration, Farmers Union, Farm Bureau, and the Mahnomen Historical Society. His commitment to education and research was evident in his involvement with the U of M Extension Service, pioneering research in rotational grazing in the 1970's.

Franklyn devoted his career to agriculture, operating a farm specializing in Registered Hereford's dairy, and small grains and hay. Even in retirement, he remained committed to the agricultural community, serving as an outreach worker for the Rural Life Outreach Program, providing support to individuals facing fear, grief, loss, or hardship.

Franklyn found joy in maintaining his large and beautiful lawn, attending his grandsons' hockey and football games, collecting old tractors, and bringing holiday cheer with his impressive Christmas light display of over 10,000 lights. He was an avid reader of Hereford, dairy, and crop publications and enjoyed extensive travels across the United States, Canada, Mexico, England, and Scotland. But no matter how far he traveled, home was always where his heart was—on the farm and with his family. He treasured every gathering, every celebration, and every quiet moment spent with those he loved.

Franklyn will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to family, faith, and farming, as well as his generosity, sense of humor, and community spirit. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched and the land he so deeply loved.

Franklyn is survived by his wife, Mary Nell Preisler

Children: David (Teri) Preisler, Daniel (Karin) Preisler, Steven (Kalie) Preisler, Karen Preisler

Grandchildren:  Ethan (Amanda) Preisler, Cody (Juhaan) Johar-Preisler, Gabriel Preisler

Great Grand Children: William and Noah Preisler and Isadora Johar-Preisler

Sisters: Lois Kuhn and Dianne (Gene) Hegge

Brother-in-law and Sister-in-law, James and Darlene Halvorson

Nieces and Nephews:  Robin (Lyndon) Bendickson, Teresa Kulzer, Julie (Cory) Meinert, Myron Sorgaard, Erin (Joe) Visker, Jonathan (Jenny) Halvorson,

Great Nephews: Jed and Silas Visker and Jakob & Evan Halvorson

Preceded in death by:

Parents: Frank and Pearl Preisler, Daughter, Rebecca Preisler, Sister, Eunice Sorgaard, Neice, Sheri Witherbee, bothers -in-law, Calvin Sorgaard and Marvin Kuhn

Memorial suggested to Hospice of the Red River Valley or Immanuel Lutheran Church.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bejou, with a time of gathering one hour before the service.