Franklyn David Pelawa

To whom it may concern,

Franklyn David Pelawa born September 13, 1942, in Dearborn, MI, Second Child to a couple of draft dodgers.

Sister Bev was born February 24, 1941, in Waterloo, IA. Brother Roger and sister Chris born in 1943 and 1944 somewhere in Michigan. Sister Linda was born in St. Cloud, MN, February 13, 1946. Kids 5 in the war years. Family moved to Swanville in 1947, then few years later to the 40 acre rock pile north of town. Brother Kevin was born in 1951 in Long Prairie, Minnesota.

Graduated the class of 1961 from Swanville High School. Was captain in 1960 football and 1961 baseball teams. Went to the Army in 1962, got out in 1965 (alive). Married Winnie Swanberg in 1966, May 21st to be exact. Moved to Bemidji in July 1968, I’ve been at the same place for over 57 years.

Sons Joe and George played football, hockey, baseball, little league youth teams and high school.

Franklyn coached and sponsored Northern Lights baseball and youth hockey teams. 1980 got the VFW Hockey and Baseball program started in Bemidji. Coached original 1980 VFW Baseball team, went to State Tournament 4 years between 1980 – 1985. Coached baseball 1984 consolation title, 1985 won state championship, had to step aside after that. Along with Chuck Stombaugh and Darleen Dillon, started Bemidji Baseball Association with support and donations from the community, and it mushroomed from there to what it is now. Spearheading the  improvements to the Bemidji landfill ball fields located at the (Arena Field at Nielson-Reise Arena) city park ball field complex. Bemidji youth hockey board 1976-1980, roles as board member, vice president and president, what really amounted to was two traveling teams 9-10 & 11–12-year-old. Bemidji did not play in MAHA playoffs. 13–14-year-old Bantams VFW was part of what I got into BYHA and into state VFW play-offs. Bemidji VFW won state title 1982-1983 season. I volunteered my time I was told over the years, many times, I was wasting my time “anyway”.

It was great to see my sons play in the Minnesota high school State Hockey Tournament, coach Herbie came into son George’s life, he was Herbies type of player. George was named Mr. Hockey of High School Minnesota, a great day for our family, then he played on Team Minnesota that won National Title. Coach Herbie done great. On to Montreal NHL Draft, George was a first round “16th” overall by Calgary what a great day. Joe went on to graduate from BSU and UND and became an engineer.

I have enjoyed youth sports, high school and leading up to those teams. It’s been a good ride. Been waiting 35+years for someone to match that?

Franklyn D. Pelawa

Survived by wife Winnie; son Joe (Corrie); grandchild Britta of Lancaster, CA and cousin Butch & Pat Pelava.

Preceded in death by sisters Robin and Linda, brother Roger, son George.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to George Pelawa Scholarship Fund.

Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m., Friday March 6, 2026, at Olson-Schwartz Funeral Home. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Followed by a life celebration at the Bemidji Eagles.

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