Robert Franke

robert franke
Robert C. “Bob” Franke age 79 of New Hampton died Sunday evening, July 17, 2011, at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 21, 2011, at Holy Family Parish – St. Joseph Center, New Hampton with Rev. Mark Osterhaus celebrating the Mass. The Pall will be placed on the casket by his wife Edna and their five sons. The offertory gifts will be presented by Anna Franke, Claire Franke, Alexa Franke and Kate Franke. Lectors will be Betty Pell and Bianca Franke. Friends may greet the family 3:00 - 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 20, 2011, at the Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home, New Hampton where there will be a 5:00 p.m. scripture service and a 7:45 p.m. rosary. Visitation will continue an hour prior to the Mass on Thursday. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, New Hampton with Brandon Franke, Tyler Franke, Dale Krietzer, Dan Franke, Brian Franke and Kevin Corcoran serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Grant and Jack Franke. Full military honors will be conducted by the Lawler American Legion Harold Redman Post #279. Robert Charles Franke was born October 10, 1931, in North Washington, IA, the son of Vern and Florence (Barnes) Franke. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in New Hampton and was a 1949 graduate of the New Hampton High School. On May 4, 1954, he entered the United States Army. He was a member of the signal supply company stationed in Yokahama, Japan where he supervised Japanese Nationals. He was honorably discharged on April 14, 1956, with a rank of Private First Class. On June 6, 1959, at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Calmar, he was united in marriage to Edna Gerleman. To this union, six children were born. The couple initially lived in Charles City until moving northeast of New Hampton where they farmed from 1961 until present. Bob was also employed at the former Oliver/White Farm in Charles City from 1958 until 1983. Bob began working in parts order layout until his promotion to supervisor. In 1967, he received another promotion to general foreman remaining in this capacity until the company closed. Memberships include the Harold Redman American Legion Post #279 in Lawler, Holy Family Parish, the Farm Bureau, the NRA, Pheasants Forever and a coach for 4-H Softball. He enjoyed fishing, playing euchre, golfing, and farming. He loved being near the water, especially the Mississippi River, the winter vacations in The Villages, Florida and the great times with his family. Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Edna; five sons, Michael (Deniz) Franke of Clive, John (Jody) Franke of Clear Lake, David (Jane) Franke of Nora Springs, Patrick (Melanie) Franke of Johnston, Jeffrey (Natalie) Franke of Clive; 13 grandchildren, Bianca, Brandon, Claire, Kate, Anna, Lauren, Maria, Tyler, Alexa, Ashley, Grant, Jack, and Grace Franke; his mother-in-law, Cecilia Gerleman of Decorah; six sisters-in-law, Mary Franke of Cedar Falls, Marie (Ronald) Kreitzer of Cresco, Margaret (Bob) Koenigsfeld of New Hampton, Mardell (Larry) Corcoran of Ettrick, WI, Betty (John) Pell of Urbandale, Phyllis (Ron) Prybelski of Austin, MN; a brother in law, Paul (Rita) Gerleman of Calmar. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Sara Lynn on July 13, 1994; brother, Jim Franke; and his father-in-law, Edmund Gerleman.

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  1. Dear Edna and family, I just wanted to extend my deepest sympathy for your loss. My connection to Bob was via Lawler’s Veteran group. What a proud group that is and how neat for him to have been a part of a great group of individuals. I as well as many others appreciate his service to our country over the years.

  2. John, So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this sorrowfull time.

  3. Edna and Family, We’re so sorry to hear of Bobs passing. He was always such a happy and positive person. Edna, you and your family have always had a very special place in my heart while I was growing up. We know that Bob is at peace with our Lord and enjoying being with Sara again. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

  4. Edna & family, I just wanted to say Thank you for letting me care for Bob during his last days here. I was sad when I heard the news Monday morning. He was a great man and I am happy I got to meet him. I wish you and your family strength as you move on and to hold on to all those memories you had together. Edna~ you have a heart of gold and you took great care of Bob and he appreciated it, I could tell that. Take care. Shannon RN (St. Mary’s Hospital, Rochester)

  5. Edna & Family, I am so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. I have been out of town on vacation and just received word. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. If you need anything Edna, please don’t hesitate to ask.

  6. My sympathies go out to your family. I will always remember the times I enjoyed with Bob as a child in 4H and all the softball games. I get to pass the skills he taught us on to my children now as I coach their baseball teams. Rest in peace Bob!

  7. Edna, I am sorry for your loss. Bob was a great man and left us with lots of fond memories. I will never forget the time we were at one of the boys graduation party (before Sara was born) and he Robyn and I that we were his ‘daughters’. He will be missed!

  8. Aunt Edna & family, We’re sadden and sorry for your loss. I always have and will have fond memories of Uncle Bob and your family. I loved listening to his stories and life accounts. Going on drives w/ Grandpa Ed, my dad and uncles, I always remembered the ones when Bob was along. Kevin and I would fight to ensure a seat in the car so we could ride along and listen to the conversations and about who was farming what fields, who owned what farms and how the crops were doing. I look to raise my kids with the same love and values that you and Bob raised yours. With prayers, love and sympathy, Brian, Gina, Finn & Getty.

  9. We are truly sorry about Uncle Bob’s passing. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Sorry, we can not be there with you.

  10. With much sympathy and love. I will always have fond memories of Bob and his laughter and good humor. He remained courageous and faithful to the very end and I will never forget him. Blessings and prayers, Judy and Mike

  11. Edna and boys–So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. I’m so glad I got to talk with him a bit at Dad’s visitation. You guys were always great neighbors, and I remember many 4-H meetings and Putter Pal meetings at your farm. He will be missed! Bless you all.

  12. Dear Edna and Family, Our deepest sympathies for your great loss. When thinking of Uncle Bob, who doesn’t think of his quick smile and of his deep and frequent laughter that shook his broad shoulders? May your many memories be of comfort to you. With love, Laurie, Bill, Evan and Jonathan Herriges

  13. saddened by the news. sending my love and thoughts to you franke family and your community too. my heart goes out to you all. uncle bob was a good man.i picked blackberries today. reminded me of the time spent at your farm. greatful for all the beautiful fond family memories. he will be missed. love, prayers and blessings. annie

  14. Edna and Family I’m So sorry to hear about Bob. My prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family.

  15. Edna and family; Our thoughts and prayers are with you during the loss of Bob. We are so sorry to hear that he had passed away. God’s love to each of you. Jan and Lance

  16. Edna and family, You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Bob fought a tough battle and is now at peace. Cherish all your wonderful memories. Tom and Irene Frantzen

  17. Edna, Mike, John, Dave, Pat & Jeff I am sad to hear of Bob’s passing. He put up a good fight and I believe he is at peace now. May you find comfort in all the memories you share. I have so many fond memories of time spent at the farm; in the barn, on the snowmobiles and playing in and near the creek. I still recall the time so many years ago how mad my mom was the day I came into your house dirty as a little piglet. While we haven’t been so close in recent years, the piece of Bob that has never left me is his hearty laugh. He was loved and will be missed by many. You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Love, Sue

  18. Edna and family….i am heartsick to hear of Bob’s passing. Our first trip to Mayo when we met you in the lobby was a comfort to Tom. You both had such good things to say about the care there and Bob was an inspiration to Tom. We are sad to lose a member of our ‘Cancer Family’ but we know he left you with great memories to help you through! At work at FSA, we all will miss him, he was a pleasure to work with, a steward of the land.

  19. Dear Edna and family, All of you are in are prayers as you suffer the loss of Bob. We grieve with you, as you have always been such good friends of ours for so many years, and we recall all of the special times we had with you and your family. We are so thankful that we have been blessed to share some time with you recently going out to eat, and at Jenny’s wedding and our anniversary. Our love and prayers are with all of you. Bob and Rose

  20. Edna & Family – I am sorry to hear about the loss of Bob. I have many memories from my younger years at your farm with Sara and your family. I hope you are at peace knowing that Bob is in a pain free place and very happy to be reunited with Sara. God Bless.

  21. To Aunt Edna and the boyz. (And their spouses!) I am sorry to hear about Uncle Bob’s passing. It’s never easy to say goodbye. I have MANY fond memories of the family gatherings and always had a blast at the farm. I’m sure Bob is happliy reunited with Sara and other loved ones. XOXO

  22. Edna-Mike-John-Dave and the whole Franke family. I’m so sorry for your loss. Just know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers and may all your wonderful memories of your father and husband bring you comfort during this difficult time. May you find comfort in family and frinds and the great stories yet to be told. God Bless!

  23. Dear Edna and family, our hearts are aching for you as you grieve the loss of your dear husband, father and grandfather. Bob’s contagious smile and wonderful personality blessed everyone he knew. We are all better for having had him in our lives! Thoughts and prayers are abundant, praying you’ll find comfort in the special memories that will remain in your hearts forever. God Bless You & Keep You, Francie

  24. Aunt Edna, we are truly sorry about Uncle Bob’s passing. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

  25. David and the Franke family – I am so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Please accept my deepest sympathy. Ann

  26. Dear Edna and Boys- My mom told me yesterday of Bob passing away. I am sorry for you loss and sadness. I have so many good memories of spending time with your family growing up and hearing Bob’s great laugh. He was such a great friend to my parents! I rejoice knowing that Bob is with our Savior in heaven now. Blessings in Him. Paula

  27. Edna & family, My deepest sympathy goes out to you all. I loved ‘Uncle Bob’ & enjoyed coming to visit the Frankes on the farm when I was younger. I’ll always remember Bob asking me, in a funny, grough voice, ‘When are we gonna do some fishin?! We need to go catch some Northerns…’ I also remember some of the best advice I got from him when I joined the Army. He told me, ‘Give your heart & mind to God, cause the Army’s got your a**.’ I will miss him greatly…

  28. Edna and family, You have my deepest sympathy and will be in my thoughts. Frank was a real nice man, always friendly and always took the time to say hi. He will be missed, but you have built many memories, cherish them.

  29. Edna and family ,I am sorry to hear of your loss,keep close to your heart the memories,all 52 yrs of them…Sharon

  30. Edna & family- We would like to extend our sympathy. We’ve had many good visits with the two of you through the years and pray that Bob is now ‘at peace’.

  31. Edna and family…So sorry to hear the news of Bob’s passing, but relieved to know his suffering is over. He was ALWAYS willing to share a laugh and a smile. I’m proud to have know him as my ‘Uncle Bob’. Love you guys—Dan, Penny, Hailey and Ben

  32. Dear Edna & Family, I just heard of Bob’s passing. I am so sorry for your loss. Bob was a wonderful person & a wonderful father! I enjoyed coming to your house on so many occasions as a child & teenager. My heart broke the day Sara left this world. It is comforting to know that her Dad is now with her in heaven. God Bless your family as you grieve the loss of a great husband, father, and grandpa. -Sara (Wickman) Schmitt

  33. So sorry to hear of Bob’s death. I will always remember his great smile and laugh. Edna and family-you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

  34. Edna and Family, Just want you to know we were sorry to hear of Bob’s death.Our prayers and thoughts are with you and all of your family. Tom and Marian Gebel

  35. Edna & family, Merle and I extend our deepest sympathy to all of you. Bob fought a long battle but is now at peace with God in heaven. Cherish all of the memories you have had together as they last a lifetime. Merle & Karen Schwickerath

  36. Edna and family: We just heard about Bob’s death. He was truly a wonderful husband and father and will be providing you with special memories for many years. May God help you through this terrible loss.


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