Chris Edward Franken passed away peacefully at home March 6, 2021. He went home to the Lord in Heaven, and the awaiting arms of his mother and father. Chris was born in Chehalis, Wash., Aug. 7, 1955. He grew up in Winlock, Wash., among other states as a child, but moved back to Winlock and graduated from Mount St. Helens High School.
He always considered the Pacific Northwest home. Chris enjoyed being outdoors, whether it be camping or the beach, he was at peace. He enjoyed playing the guitar and loved listening to rock n' roll, and watching the Seahawks play. Chris loved to help people in any way he could. He was the kind of friend that any person was lucky to have. He cherished meeting new friends and calling them family. He loved animals and always had plenty of them around; dogs, cats, and even wild birds.
Chris is survived by his loving wife, Maria of Centralia, Wash.; sisters, Terry Sue Carter of Randle, Wash., Clara Comer of Marshall, Ind., and Donna Cline of Centralia, Wash.; brothers, Gary Franken of Centralia, Wash., and Mike Shope of Centralia, Wash.; sons, Jeremy of Springville, Calif., Christopher Franken of Graham, Wash., Nicholas Lessig of Centralia, Wash.; daughter, Jennise Franken of Winlock, Wash.; granddaughters, Brenna Dollarhyde of Chehalis, Wash., and Amora Morris of Pratville, Ala.; as well as many nieces; nephews; and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Clara Bell Shope; father, Christopher Franken; and mother-in-law, Eleanor Lessig.
A potluck celebration of life will be held at the ranch of Chris's best friend, Rick Morsbach, at 1121 S.E. Connor Rd., Centralia, WA 98531, March 27, 2021. Anyone wishing to attend is more than welcome.
