Robert C. Franke, age 78, entered the gates of heaven on Saturday, August 20, 2022. He died unexpectedly as a result of cardiac arrest. Bob was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, son of Milton and Eleanor (Spevacek) Franke and moved to Manitowoc shortly after. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1961 and went on to attend Manitowoc County Teachers College before graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh with his Bachelor’s Degree in Education. His first teaching assignment was in Mequon, Wisconsin where he taught 5th grade. He returned to the area to teach at C.C. Case Elementary School in Two Rivers, Wisconsin. When L.B. Clarke Middle School was built in 1969, Bob began teaching 8th grade science where he remained until his retirement in 2007. Throughout Bob’s 41 years of teaching, he made an impact on thousands of students. Bob made teaching fun and engaging while also making sure every student felt confident and loved. To this day, many of his students still talk about lessons from his class and refer to him as their favorite teacher.
In 1968 Bob married Judie (Backus), his high school sweetheart. Bob was a model of unconditional love during their 54 years of marriage, always putting Judie’s needs above his own. He was a devoted father to four children and a proud grandfather to 13 grandchildren. Bob showed his love to his family in many ways, including helping his children with home improvement projects, attending his grandchildren’s activities, and “putzing” on tasks for others. It wasn’t unusual to find him with a bottle of glue, Windex, or a stack of $2 bills to hand out.
Bob’s acts of kindness extended beyond his family. He used his many talents to help neighbors, friends, and others in need. After retiring from teaching, Bob stayed active in the community. He continued reading with Hatrack Storytellers, gave of his time helping within the Two Rivers School District, and volunteered at St. Vincent de Paul. Bob’s faith was a significant part of his life, displayed, in part, through his service as a lector for the St. Francis of Assisi parish.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife Judie, his children and grandchildren: Melissa (Tim) Shirk and their children Kiley, Alana, and Carson of Broadway, Virginia; Karlene (Aaron) Hendon and their children Zachary, Carissa, Hannah, and Xander of Elm Grove, Wisconsin; Aaron (Jessica) Franke and their children Paxton, Cambry, Kolden, and Ryson of Fargo, North Dakota; Mikell (Kristen) Franke and their children Grayson and Weston of North Mankato, Minnesota. Other relatives include his brother Roger (Ann) Franke of Davenport, Iowa; his twin brother Richard (Linda) of West Bend, Wisconsin; his brother-in-law Don (Mav) Backus of Somers, Connecticut; and brother-in-law Jim (Meg) Backus of St. Louis, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Eleanor Franke.
A visitation will be held at Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, 628 North Water Street, on Friday, August 26, 2022 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. followed by a prayer service led by Deacon Alan Boeldt. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Doug LeCaptain and will be held on Saturday, August 27, 2022 at St. Francis of Assisi, Grand Avenue location, 1416 Grand Avenue. Friends and relatives may greet the family from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place following the service in Evergreen Cemetery, Manitowoc.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made to The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (ssvpusa.org/donate) or The National Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
