Franklin Land

Beloved Father, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather, Franklin D. Land, age 88, passed away on April 8, 2026.

He was born on February 4, 1938, in Silverton, Oregon, to Daniel and Beatrice Land. His family later moved to Ontario, Oregon. Growing up in a two-bedroom house with seven children, he often shared stories of sleeping in a tent in the yard with his brother, Bob, regardless of the weather.

After moving to Arock, Oregon, he attended school in Jordan Valley. He went on to serve in the Army while stationed in Anchorage, Alaska, and was proud to be a veteran. Upon his return, he married Treva Ansotegui and worked for Idaho Power while raising their three children: Dan, Angela, and Julie.

Frank was a "property flipper" before the term existed, buying or trading and fixing up acreages and investing in properties. His ultimate goal was achieved when he settled on Crane Creek in Midvale, Idaho, to have the 300+ cattle ranch he had always dreamed of, starting with just one cow he bought at the local auction.

He had a deep passion for schooling horses and was always aided by a trusted dog who moved cows and worked gates better than any man. He owned a racehorse, Chief, who ran at Emmett and Les Bois, though he often joked that Chief cost more than he ever won! He also frequently adopted wild mustangs, finding them best suited for the rocky hills; while he tamed many, some remained wild, occasionally landing him in those same hills.

He was involved in his community, serving as the President and a member of the Idaho Cattlemen's Association, President of the Washington County Fair Board, member of the Midvale School Board, and the Weiser River Conservation Board.

While he expected focus and hard work—and few had the grit to keep up with him—he was always the first to lighten the mood with his quick wit and teasing disposition. He taught his children and grandchildren that any dream is achievable through hard work. Though a man of few words during a workday, he loved hosting company, sharing meals with family, and planning the next family vacation.

Frank found immense joy in his grandchildren—Cory, Ryan, Kaci, Colby, and Jace—as well as his great-granddaughters, Savannah and Siennah. Being a grandfather softened him like nothing else. Well into his seventies and eighties, he could always be found on the sidelines of a rodeo, sporting event, or the fair, beaming with pride and ensuring his grandchildren received a fair price at the 4-H sale. He especially loved visiting Colorado to see his great-granddaughters, where he would get on the floor to give them pony rides, play at the playground, draw together, and make them giggle by being silly. 

He is survived by his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and siblings Carolyn and Steve. He is preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings Arlene, Bob, Wayne and Shirley.

The family extends our sincere gratitude to Meadow View Senior Living, Aspen Hospice, and specifically Abbie at Aspen Hospice for the exceptional care provided.

We would also like to share a special thank you to Don York and Ken Smith for their 58 years of friendship and support.

Please join us at a later date for a Celebration of Life at Potter Funeral Chapel in Emmett.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Franklin Land, please visit our floral store.