William A. Franti
February 23, 1914 — May 12, 2004
William A. Franti, age 90 of Watton passed away on Wednesday, May 12, 2004 at Bell Memorial Hospital in Ishpeming.
He was born February 23, 1914 in Covington, son of the late Henry and Josephina (Helberg) Franti. Bill attended school in Covington. He married the former Ellen Salli on August 18, 1940 in Trout Creek, MI. From 1940-1975 Bill logged and co-owned Franti Brothers Logging. He also worked for CCI from 1956-76 as a heavy equipment operator. In his younger days he played baseball. Bill was an outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, trapping, and cross-country skiing. He was a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church in Covington.
Surviving are his three sons, Leslie Franti of Watton; Rudolph (Gloria) Franti of Ishpeming; and Glenn (Marie) Franti of Olathe, Kansas; three sisters, Elsie (Marteen) Kantola, Aileen Johnson, and Laina Partanen all of Negaunee; three grandchildren; and five great grandchildren.
Preceding him in death are his wife Ellen in 1989; son Michael Franti; brothers, Waino, Victor, Walfred, and Toivo Franti; sisters, Ida Lepola, Senia Korpi, Martha Risku, and Esther Saari.
The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 18 at 11:00 am at Bethany Lutheran Church in Covington. Visitation will be on Monday, May 17 from 6-8:00 pm at Jacobson Funeral Home, and on Tuesday one hour prior to the service at the church. Rev. Leon Linquist will officiate. Burial will be in the Covington Twp. Cemetery. The Jacobson Funeral Home in L'Anse is assisting the family.
Friends may sign Bill's guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com.