KENNETH FRANCIS FRANKE

Ken was the best neighbor one could wish for. He was always available for advice and support.. He had a great sense of humor and is very much missed by all who knew and loved him.

Ken was a great friend and mentor. He came to Minnesota many times to train boiler inspectors on how to be boat inspectors. We always enjoyed it when he was here. I will miss having his vast knowledge as a resource and most of all his friendship. All of us in Minnesota will miss him dearly.

Ken Franke was a neighbor and a fellow parishioner. He was a generous and compassionate man who would drop what he was doing to help out when needed. Last year, one of our smoke alarms began to screech and wouldn't let up. Not just any smoke alarm, but the one at the top of the 12 foot ceiling. I was getting pretty desperate. When Ken heard of my plight, he came right over. He had on his coveralls and appeared to have been painting. The ladder was not high enough, but, with the aid of a...

Captain Franke was a true gentleman and professional. I was fortunate to have attended his Wood Boat/FRP class in the mid 2000's. In my 25 years of Coast Guard service, no other educational experience matched that of Capt Franke's class. His unique style and passion for teaching should be copied by all inspiring training professionals. I love wood boats, but not nearly like Capt Franke did. He probably forgot more about wood boats than what I've learned. He is a true professional and I'm...

I would like to extend my sympathy to Captain Franke's family. I will remember him not only as a great instructor, but also as a wonderful human being who shared his seemingly limitless knowledge with his students and also opened his house to the class. Fair winds and following seas, Captain.

Capt. Franke is one of those persons that you always look up to as an example of a great coastguarman. He not only unconditionally shared his wealth of knowledge and experience as a CG Marine Inspector with us in Wood/FRP School. He teached us other aspects of life and what we really represented to the community as an honoreable organization (USCG). Mate, you will always be missed. GOD bless you always...sincerely, Mr. 1000

I too had the pleasure of attending Captain Franke's Wood Boat School in 2006. Not only did Captain Franke teach my class and I a great deal in such a short period of time, he also extended his warm hospitality to the entire class throughout our two week stay in San Diego. Sir, you will truly be missed by your Coast Guard family. Semper Paratus and God Speed!

Robert McFarland CWO3, USCG

My sympathy to the family of Capt Franke's in your loss. I was one Capt Franke's student from the Sept 1997 class. He was already well established back then as the go to guy for wood boat questions. His knowledge of the subject was probably more than some of us could ever hope to have. He will be missed I'm sure by family and the Coast Guard M field alike.