William J. Franke

Franke, William J. MALTA, N.Y. William J. Franke, 91, of Cass Court in Malta, died on Friday, December 7, 2007 at Schuyler Ridge Nursing Home. He was born on July 27, 1916 in New York City, N.Y. and was the son of the late Oskar and Loretta Ruckholdt Franke. William was a graduate of Rensselaer High School and Regents College of the University of the State of New York. He was an Army veteran of World War II. In 1971, he retired from the U.S. government after having over 32 years of service. William was a communicant of Corpus Christi Church in Ushers. He was the beloved Husband of Beatrice E. Franke, whom he married April 15, 1989 and celebrated over 18 years of marriage. He was the loving father of Robert (Marilyn) Franke and Douglas (Monica) Franke; stepfather of Dennis, Douglas and Joseph Folsom and Donna Traver; grandfather of Barbara Ann Forte, Joan Graham, Michael Franke, Thomas Franke, Edward Franke and Mary Ellen Lawyer; as well as five great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife, Marie Spath Franke; a sister, Loretta Barden; and a brother, Charles L. Franke. Funeral services will be private at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Ann Maronite Catholic Church, 184 Fourth St., Troy, NY 12180. A 40 day Mass will be celebrated in Bill's memory at St. Ann's on Sunday, January 20, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. All are invited. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home, 1550 Route 9, Clifton Park, NY 12065; (518) 371-5454.