Franklin "Frank" Anthony Zappa, Sr.

Franklin “Frank” Anthony Zappa, Sr., 85, of Aitkin, passed away Friday, January 16, 2026 in 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 November 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, January 24th at 12 PM in St. James Catholic Church, Aitkin.  Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service at the church with a Rosary by Knights of Columbus at 11:45 AM.  Graveside Services will be Monday, January 26 at 11AM in Gethsemane Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel, New Hope.  A special thank you to CRMC, Heartwood, Moments Hospice, Riverwood Health Care and Dr. Burgos. To leave a message of condolence, please visit:  www.srtfuneral.com.  Arrangements are with Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Aitkin.

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