Eric Edward Franke, 67, of Reno, NV passed away on December 18, 2025 surrounded by family and loved ones after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Eric was born October 3, 1958 to Raymond and Helen Franke in Passiac, New Jersey. He was the oldest of three children, with whom he remained close throughout his life. After graduating from Earl Wooster High School in 1976, Eric went on to obtain his marketing degree from the University of Nevada Reno. He worked in advertising for many years. In his latter years he worked for Costco and valued many of the friendships he made there.
In 1982, Eric met his beloved wife Tammy while playing on a co-ed softball team. They married in 1984 and had three daughters, Nicole, Meagan, and Courtney. They enjoyed 35 years of love filled marriage until Tammy passed in 2019. Eric spent many years lovingly caring for his wife during her long battle with cancer. His unwavering devotion to his wife and children is truly admirable. In 2024 Eric met his wonderful girlfriend, Lori Brafford. They shared many laughs, love, and joyful times together during his final years. She was a true rock for Eric in his time of need.
Eric loved all things outdoors, hunting, fishing, concerts, camping, skiing, and sailing. He was an avid reader and never stopped pursuing knowledge in any form. Like his father Ray, he was also a talented artist, dabbling in painting and sketching throughout his life. Eric also had a passion for sports (Go Niners), that brought him much joy and frustration over the years.
Eric was a wonderful man who was loved by many. He stayed close with his family and many of his friends from childhood. His humor was legendary and will be something all who knew him will remember. As legendary as his humor was, it was far exceeded by his dedication to those he loved. He was fiercely loyal to his family and those close to him and stood steadfast by those that he loved. A testament to his devotion was how many people stood by his bedside at the end. His final days were filled with family and friends telling stories and sharing their love for him. After his diagnosis in August he bravely faced his battle and when his time came, he went peacefully into the Lord's arms.
Eric was welcomed into heaven by his wife Tammy, his father Raymond Franke, and his in-laws Carl and Alma Wallace. He is survived by his mother Helen, his sister Kim, his brother Kurt, his three daughters, eight grandchildren, his girlfriend Lori, and many other beloved family and friends.
Eric, E, Big Easy, Poppa, will be truly missed by those who knew him, until we meet again.
A celebration of life will be held on February 7, 2026 at 2pm, at Louis Basque Corner. If you are interested in attending, or have any stories of Eric you'd like to share please send name, e-mail address and cell phone number to [email protected]
Eric was born October 3, 1958 to Raymond and Helen Franke in Passiac, New Jersey. He was the oldest of three children, with whom he remained close throughout his life. After graduating from Earl Wooster High School in 1976, Eric went on to obtain his marketing degree from the University of Nevada Reno. He worked in advertising for many years. In his latter years he worked for Costco and valued many of the friendships he made there.
In 1982, Eric met his beloved wife Tammy while playing on a co-ed softball team. They married in 1984 and had three daughters, Nicole, Meagan, and Courtney. They enjoyed 35 years of love filled marriage until Tammy passed in 2019. Eric spent many years lovingly caring for his wife during her long battle with cancer. His unwavering devotion to his wife and children is truly admirable. In 2024 Eric met his wonderful girlfriend, Lori Brafford. They shared many laughs, love, and joyful times together during his final years. She was a true rock for Eric in his time of need.
Eric loved all things outdoors, hunting, fishing, concerts, camping, skiing, and sailing. He was an avid reader and never stopped pursuing knowledge in any form. Like his father Ray, he was also a talented artist, dabbling in painting and sketching throughout his life. Eric also had a passion for sports (Go Niners), that brought him much joy and frustration over the years.
Eric was a wonderful man who was loved by many. He stayed close with his family and many of his friends from childhood. His humor was legendary and will be something all who knew him will remember. As legendary as his humor was, it was far exceeded by his dedication to those he loved. He was fiercely loyal to his family and those close to him and stood steadfast by those that he loved. A testament to his devotion was how many people stood by his bedside at the end. His final days were filled with family and friends telling stories and sharing their love for him. After his diagnosis in August he bravely faced his battle and when his time came, he went peacefully into the Lord's arms.
Eric was welcomed into heaven by his wife Tammy, his father Raymond Franke, and his in-laws Carl and Alma Wallace. He is survived by his mother Helen, his sister Kim, his brother Kurt, his three daughters, eight grandchildren, his girlfriend Lori, and many other beloved family and friends.
Eric, E, Big Easy, Poppa, will be truly missed by those who knew him, until we meet again.
A celebration of life will be held on February 7, 2026 at 2pm, at Louis Basque Corner. If you are interested in attending, or have any stories of Eric you'd like to share please send name, e-mail address and cell phone number to [email protected]
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