Obit: Franke, Kenneth J. (1926 – 2018)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Franke, Zimmerman, Gardner, Ganther, Lang, Haltes, Maslanka, Carlson, Schindler

Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, WI) 10 Mar 2018

Franke, Kenneth J. (31 AUG 1926 – 7 MAR 2018)

Marshfield - Kenneth John Franke, age 91, of Marshfield, died Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at Marshfield Medical Center, Marshfield. The Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am Monday, March 12, 2018 at Zion American Lutheran Church, W2840 Hill Road, Granton, WI. Rev. Daniel Zimmerman will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 3:00 - 6:00 pm Sunday, March 11, 2018 at the Hansen-Schilling Funeral Home, 1010 East Veterans Parkway, Marshfield and again from 10:00 am until the time of the service Monday at the church.

Kenneth was born August 31, 1926 in Lynn, son of the late John and Bessie (Gardner) Franke. He attended school in Unity. On June 28, 1952 he married Alma Bessie Todd at Zion American Lutheran Church, Granton. He worked on farms in Lynn and UW State farms. Ken also hauled milk for Riplinger cheese and Pine Grove cheese factory. He also worked for Rollohome and at Morning Glory cheese, both in Marshfield. He was a United States Army Veteran serving during World War II and later was called back to serve during the Korean War.

Kenneth was a member of Zion American Lutheran church where he also served many years on the church council, and on the dartball team at his church. Kenneth was in the Chili Citizen Group and Associated Tour Groups. Kenneth was a loving and caring Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather that will be lovingly missed by his Family.

Survivors include his children; Linda (William) Ganther, Chili and Gary (Martha) Franke, Marshfield, Grandchildren; Shawn Ganther, Kimberly Ganther, Melissa (Clay) Lange, Kenneth Franke and Tanya Franke, Great Grandchildren; Kylie Ganther, Annalyse Lange, Alecia Lange, Kaiya Haldes and Oliver Maslanka, Siblings; Lois Schindler (Lois' deceased husbands; Clifford Carlson and James Schindler), Rodney (Judy) Franke, Chester (Donna) Franke.

He was preceded in death by his Parents; John and Bessie Franke, Wife; Alma Franke, a Granddaughter; Holly Rozina Ganther, Grandsons; Christian Ganther, and Preston Ganther and other deceased relatives, family and friends.