Lakeland PBS
❤ Donate
  • Home
  • Support
  • Watch Now
    • Livestream
    • Local Shows
    • Watch Online
    • Schedule
    • Our Channels
    • Webcam
  • Lakeland News
    • News Feed
    • Featured Segments
    • Watch a News Story
    • Watch a Sports Story
  • Shop
  • About
    • Contact Us
    • State Legacy Funding
    • Meetings & Public Filings
    • Education
    • Employment
  • ❤ DONATE

Community Remembers Two Killed In Fire

Haydee Clotter — Feb. 24 2017
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)

The wind is blowing, but the chimes barely ring. At the top of the hill there was once a house, but all that’s left is rubble. According to the Koochiching County Deputies and Northome Fire Department, a fire happened on Wednesday after midnight.

“Shocked. Wondering why it would happen to a nice couple, how it happened, just very shocked,” said Amanda Dreher, True Value Owner.

Authorities haven’t released the identities of the two individuals, but the community knows who they are. According to a Facebook group titled “Franklin Memories” Dr. Gordon W. Franklin and his wife, nurse Marjorie Midge Franklin, lived in the house.

“Going to their house for dinner after church, doing stuff with the kids and just spending a lot of time that way,” said Scott Jourdan, family friend. “My biggest memory of him is just what godly men him and Midge were.”

The Franklin’s worked together at Northome Medical clinic which is now Scenic Rivers Health Services. Several say Dr. Franklin delivered them as babies and he would even make house calls. Dawn Jourdain worked with Dr. Franklin for five years before his retirement.

“He had a gentleness about him and his faith was very much a part of his medicine and his life in general,” said Former Co-Worker Dawn Jourdan. “He was more than just a doctor in this community.”

You can even see some of the things that made a house a home like this sink and dishes. Community members tell Lakeland News that the couple’s son also lived in the home but was away when the fire happened.

“I’m happy for them to where they are now, but sad for those of us left behind,” said Scott.

“I agree with what Scott said and they’re at peace,” said Dawn.

The couple was described as short in stature but with a big heart and always wiling to help anyone.

Lakeland News is member supported content. Please consider supporting Lakeland News today.

Donate Today
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)

By — Haydee Clotter

Related Posts

Brigid’s Pub in Bemidji Remains Busy Despite Shutdown from Fire Last Year

Randall Fire Department Replaces Old Turnout Gear Thanks to Community Funding

Woman Dies in House Fire Near Aitkin

In Business: Two Hearts in Bemidji Finds New Location Almost a Full Year After Fire

  • Program Schedule

Get the free PBS Video App

roku
Apple TV
FireTV
AndroidTV
Google Play Store
Apple Store

Connect with Us

Watch Lakeland PBS Live Stream!

Contact Us

Directions
Submit an Event
Submit a Video or Photo
Problem with the Website
Need to contact us about something else? Please visit our contact us page for more options.

About Us

Lakeland PBS understands the media that people are exposed to make a significant impact on their lives. Our hope is that the six channels we broadcast along with our online presence provide people with media experiences that make a positive impact on their lives.

Lakeland PBS is where you want to be!

108 Grant Ave NE, Bemidji, MN 56601 | 800-292-0922
KAWE Public Profile | KAWB Public Profile | Cable Provider Channel List | Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2023 Lakeland PBS. All Right Reserved.

How would you like to show your support?

Monthly Contribution

One-Time Contribution

Thank-You Gift

I would like to select a thank-you gift

No Gift

Put 100% of my gift towards programming