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Franklin J. Knoll

April 30, 1940 ~ May 18, 2023 (age 83) 83 Years Old
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Obituary

Franklin Jude Knoll, age 83 of Plymouth, passed away May 18, 2023. Survived by wife, Margot; children, Elizabeth Knoll (John Heigis), Caroline Fullerton (Robert) and Jonathan Knoll (Katherine); grandchildren, Emma Stomberg, Jemma Heigis, Liam Heigis, Evelyn Heigis, Mae Fullerton, John Fullerton, Ella Fullerton, Mary Knoll and Thomas Knoll; sister, Helen Fitzgerald (David); deeply loved nieces, nephews, and many wonderful and close friends. Preceded in death by siblings, Mary Knoll, Elizabeth Kane (William) and John Knoll (Concy Rajkumar).

Frank was born April 30, 1940 in St. Cloud. He graduated from St. John’s Preparatory School, received a B.A. from St. John’s University in 1962, and a J.D. in 1966 from University of Minnesota Law School. His deep commitment to public service, civil rights and social justice spanned his entire career and reflected an unwavering belief in the importance of serving the underserved. Frank served as general council for the Minneapolis Urban Coalition, was a Hennepin County public defender, served in both the MN House and Senate, was appointed Hennepin County District Court Judge in 1984, and volunteered his time as a tutor and mentor in Minneapolis schools

Frank’s artistic abilities flourished in his woodworking and poetry. He was a master woodworker, receiving numerous blue ribbons from the MN State Fair, and was happy to know that many of his pieces are with people he loved. His heartfelt poems allowed him to find some peace and make sense of the human suffering witnessed in many unforgettable cases as a judge.

Frank married his dear Margot in 1965. Their marriage is a tribute to enduring love and an impactful life of shared values. He loved his family deeply. In later years, nothing brought more sparkle to his life than when he and Margot were with their grandchildren, who always held a special place in his heart.

Frank’s family cannot express enough gratitude to the home health aides: Sam, Angel, Rachel, Mike, and Nicole; and Melissa from Park Nicollet Hospice, all of whom made such a positive impact on his life.

Memorial Mass 11:00 AM, Friday, May 26th at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 155 County Road 24, Wayzata with visitation beginning at 10 AM.

Memorials preferred to St. John’s University.

If you would like to make a donation, Please make checks payable to St. Johns University and include Franklin Knoll on the memo line. The check can be given to the family or can be mailed to St. John's University, PO Box 7222 | Collegeville, MN 56321.

You may donate online at St. Johns Student Fund Donation. Please click the general scholarship drop down and in the additional comments, please type In Memory of Franklin Knoll

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Franklin J. Knoll, please visit our floral store.


Services

Visitation
Friday
May 26, 2023

10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
The Church of the Holy Name of Jesus
155 Cty Rd 24
Medina, MN 55330

Memorial Mass
Friday
May 26, 2023

11:00 AM
The Church of the Holy Name of Jesus
155 Cty Rd 24
Medina, MN 55330

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In Loving Memory Of

Franklin Knoll

April 30, 1940-May 18, 2023




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Online Memory & Photo Sharing Event
Ongoing
Online Event

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In Loving Memory Of

Franklin Knoll

April 30, 1940-May 18, 2023




Look inside to read what others have shared


Family and friends are coming together online to create a special keepsake. Every memory left on the online obituary will be automatically included in the book.   


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