Stuart K. Fankhanel

Stuart Kurt Fankhanel age 68 of Detroit Lakes, MN died Thursday July 22, 2010 at his residence after a ten year battle with cancer. Stuart Fankhanel was born on June 10, 1942 in Detroit Lakes, MN to Kurt and Charlotte Hinze Fankhanel. He grew up and attended elementary school in Vergas, MN. As a young boy he helped his parents at Fankhanelchr(39)s Tavern and Corner Sweet Shop. It was there that he learned to listen to people and how to tell a good story. He was confirmed at St. Johnchr(39)s Lutheran in Vergas. After graduating from Frazee High School in 1960, he attended the University of Minnesota. From 1962 "? 1966 he served in the United States Air Force as a medic. Following his discharge from the Air Force he attended Mankato State University, graduating with degrees in Elementary Education and Political Science. On February 8, 1975 he was united in marriage to his best friend, Judy Aykens in Steen, MN. He taught school for five years in Mentor, MN and Sturgeon Bay Wisconsin. Stu then attended Luther Seminary, graduating with a masters degree in Divinity. He served parishes in western North Dakota for eight years, including Christ Lutheran Church in Lignite, and St. Johnchr(39)s Lutheran Church in Killdeer. He then served in the Northwest Minnesota Synod including, St. Peterchr(39)s Lutheran Church, in Audubon, Hamar Lutheran, in Rothsay, Central Lutheran, in Pelican Rapids, and Immanuel Lutheran, in Osage. He retired in 2008 after twenty six years of parish ministry. Stu loved to write about his childhood memories and his parish life. He enjoyed conducting "Tell your own story workshops". He was also an avid Paul Bunyan Collector. He served on the Becker County Extension Board and also on the Synod Call Committee. He is survived by his wife, Judy; one daughter, Christine (Matthew Meyer) Fankhanel, of St. Paul, MN; three sons, David (Betsy) Fankhanel, of Mpls, MN; Charles Fankhanel, of West Fargo, ND; Martin Fankhanel, of Moorhead, MN; Granddaughter, Neva Fankhanel; Mother, Charlotte Fankhanel, of Detroit Lakes, MN; and one brother Tom Fankhanel, of Detroit Lakes, MN. He was preceded in death by his Father, Kurt Fankhanel.