Franklin Little

Franklin Craig Little was born January 26, 1924 in Charles City, Iowa. His parents were LeRoy John and Pearl Laura (Craigmile) Little. In 1931, he came to live with his grandparents, John and Samantha Craigmile in Arnolds Park. He attended Arnolds Park Consolidated School and graduated in 1941. He joined the U.S. Navy in October of 1941. He taught gunnery at Great Lakes Naval Training Center until joining the Naval Air Corp in 1942. He earned his Gold Wings in 1944. He married Lorraine Wilson in Los Angeles on September 24, 1944. To this union three children were born: William Leroy Little, Danny Craig Little and Jill Diane Little. Franklin was a member of the United Methodist Church in Arnolds Park and the American Legion Post 0384 in Milford. He worked at Asher Motors in Spencer, Wilson Boat Works in Okoboji, Gibson Boat Works in Okoboji and McQuays in Spirit Lake. Retiring in 1986, he enjoyed primitive camping, hunting, building model radio controlled airplanes and golfing. Franklin died October 10, 2012 at Hilltop Care Center. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Mary Frances Pierce and Ruth Knutson and his brother, Gordon Little. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Lorraine; sons, Bill and Dan (Mary) and daughter, Jill. He is also survived by granddaughters, Tracy (Gary) Hodge, Nicole Pflueger and Kelly (Sam) Fisk; great-grandchildren, Caleb Hodge, Miles Snow, Quentin, Beaudry and Kit Fisk; sister, Janice Nelson and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, a memorial in Frank's name can be given to the Arnolds Park Calvary United Methodist Church building fund.