Franta, Edward J., 1906-1988

Edward J. Franta was born on a farm in Liberty Grove Township, Richland County, on March 20, 1906, to John and Rosie (Kouba) Franta. In 1909, his family moved to Lidgerwood, and he attended school there. Franta graduated from Lidgerwood High School in 1923 and enrolled at the University of North Dakota that fall to pursue a degree in journalism. While attending UND he was involved in a number of organizations and received many distinctions. He was an active member of Sigma Delta Chi, an honorary journalism fraternity, and served as the state's chapter president. He belonged to the Delta Mu Chapter of Kappa Sigma, a Greek social fraternity. He served as the associate business manager of the Dakota Daily Student and the assistant production manager of the Flickertail Follies. He was elected to UND "Who's Who" (1926). In 1926, he was the director of the Northern Interscholastic Press Conference. He was also active in R.O.T.C and completed an advanced infantry course in 1926. Franta a graduated from UND in 1927, with a B.A. in journalism. Before beginning his long time career with the Cavalier County Republican in Langdon, North Dakota, in 1928, he worked for three other newspapers. During his freshman year of college, he became a carrier for the Grand Forks Herald. In 1926, he served as a proofreader and reporter. For part of the following year, he was editor and manager for the Turtle Mountain Star in Rolla, North Dakota, while the publisher was on an extended trip. From October of 1927 to February of 1928, he was the managing editor for the Pampa Texas Times, in Pampa, Texas. In 1928, he began working for the Cavalier County Republican as a bookkeeper. After a few months he was given the responsibilities of managing editor and in 1935 he and the publisher's son were made junior partners. In 1939, they became co-publishers. In 1969 they sold the Cavalier County Republican to Howard and Edward Doherty, but Franta continued to work until 1984. In addition to his work in the newspaper business, Franta was an active member of many organizations and held leadership positions in several of them, including North Dakota Automobile Club Board (1963-1983); assistant secretary (1928-1934) and secretary-treasurer of the North Dakota Press Association (1934-?); chairman, secretary and president of the Langdon Lion's Club; secretary of the Langdon Commercial Club; national chairman of the UND Development fund; assistant secretary (1933-1939) and secretary (1939-1957) of the North Dakota Press Association; member of the North Dakota Rhodes Scholar selection committee (1962-1968); North Dakota Statuary Hall Committee (1959); director and vice president of the North Dakota Publisher's Mutual Fire Insurance Company (1948-?); secretary of Regional Code Authority for Graphic Arts; and director of the North Dakota State Durum Show (1936). In addition, Franta was a reserve officer in the United States Army (1927-1941); an active member of the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite Southern Jurisdiction; master of the Masonic Lodge; and a nine year board member of the UND Alumni Association (1958-1969). In 1970, he received the Sioux Award, the UND Alumni Association's highest honor. In 1975, he was presented the President's's Medal by UND president Thomas J. Clifford. Edward Franta married Jennie Kelland on August 25, 1930. They had three children Rosemary, Harry and Margery Ann. Franta died on February 25, 1988, in Langdon, North Dakota and is buried in the Lebanon Cemetery there.

From the description of Papers, 1923-1928 (University of North Dakota). WorldCat record id: 743226112