Ethel Franken
Death by Force

Case Description

Any updates on this case? Let us know!

On January 18, 1983, a tragic and shocking event occurred in the small town of Aplington, Iowa, resulting in the deaths of Ethel Mae Franken, her husband, and their three children. Ethel Mae Franken, aged 33, was identified as the perpetrator of the family's tragic demise.

The incident came to light when a friend, Dalene Tjabring, attempted to visit the Franken family's home to take Ethel to an appointment with a psychiatrist in Waterloo, Iowa. Upon arriving at the house, Tjabring found ...Read More

Links to Additional Sources (2)

See any mistakes? Let us know!

Ethel Mae Hulsing Franken (1950-1983) - Memorials - Find a Grave

...View 1 additional sources

Victim Details

name

Ethel Franken

gender

Female

race

White / Caucasian

city

Aplington

state

Date of Death

1983-01-18

Age at Death

First Name

Ethel

Last Name

Franken

Last Updated

01/03/2025

Forum Posts (3)

I've been following the Franken family case from Aplington, and one aspect that's been lingering in ... ...Read More
03/10/2024

I can't wrap my head around what happened to the Franken family. It's just so terribly sad. I think ... ...Read More
03/09/2024

Did anyone else notice how close the family friend, Dalene Tjabring, seemed to have been to Ethel Ma... ...Read More
09/12/2023

Other Cases from Aplington, Iowa

Valerie May Franken