Franklin Anthony Zappa, Sr. Obit

FRANKLIN ANTHONY ZAPPA, SR., 85, of Aitkin, passed away Friday, Jan. 16, 2026 at Heartwood Assisted Living, Crosby. He was born April 9, 1940 in Cumberland, Wisconsin to Frank John and Elease Andrea (DeAngelo) Zappa.   Frank was united in marriage to Elaine Spartz on Nov. 5, 1960 in St. Anne’s Catholic Church, Minneapolis. He was a member of Knights of Columbus for 47 years and St. James Catholic Church of Aitkin. Frank enjoyed hunting, golfing, boating, traveling, dancing, woodworking and especially spending time with his family. Frank is preceded in death by his wife, Elaine; his parents; great-grandchild, Frankie Laine; siblings, Norman Zappa, Violet Crooker, Elizabeth Seal, Margaret Ward-Anderson, Evelyn Frechette, Nora Anderson and Marian Cramer. Frank is survived by his children, Franklin A. (Barbara) Zappa, Jr. of New Brighton, Cheryl Ann (David) Nevison of Champlin, Tamra Ann (Michael) Kottke of Minnetonka, Linda Ann (Charles) Zappa Hauble of New Brighton and Beth Ann (Jared) Lundgren of Aitkin;  grandchildren, Franklin A. Zappa, III, Katie L. Korsman, Eric J. Nevison, Brian T. Nevison, Sarah A. Nevison, Angela E. Zappa, Frances J. Kottke, Julia E. Hanton, Madeline M. Hauble, Holly M. Eisemann, Emily E. Hagen, Giada I. M. Lundgren, and Charlotte R. Lundgren; 16 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, Jan. 24 at noon in St. James Catholic Church, Aitkin.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church with a Rosary by Knights of Columbus at 11:45 a.m.   Interment will be Monday, Jan. 26 in Gethsemane Cemetery, New Hope. To leave a message of condolence, please visit:  www.srtfuneral. com.   Arrangements are with Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Aitkin.