Robert Franke was born in Cincinnati in 1918 to Frank and Elizabeth Franke, the third of five children. When he was in grade school, the family moved to Detroit. Robert graduated from Cass Tech High School and following his service in WWII, he completed a BBA at the University of Detroit. He was a member of Delta Sigma Pi fraternity.
Robert was an officer in WWII. He served in General Patton's 3rd Army, XII corp with the 182nd field artillery. He was a pilot in the Army Air Corp. and flew more than 80 missions over enemy territory in France, Belgium, and Germany. He participated in the Battle of the Bulge and followed our troops into Normandy. When WWII ended, Robert served in the Michigan National Guard, retiring in 1966 as Battalion Commander with the rank of Lt. Colonel.
When Robert returned to Detroit following the way, he started his career in photolithography. The first time he met his future wife, Loretta, he said, "I'm going to marry that girl!" They were married in February, 1948 and raised four children.
Robert was a supervisor in the Reprographic Department of Ford Motor Company, retiring in 1986. He then immediately became a loving caregiver for Loretta, earning him another title, "Dr. Franke". Loretta died in 1996.
Robert was a man of endless energy, patience and faith. He believed in using one's talents and time to give back to the community. He was a Cub Scout Leader, coach for his sons ball teams, an usher at his parish, an active volunteer at Providence Hospital until the age of 90.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the outstanding care given by his long term care givers, Dr. Eugene Herman, oncolgist Dr. Lyle Goldman, Jackie, Kathy and other care givers at Henry Ford Village.
Today we celebrate a life well-lived. May he rest in God's peace.
Robert A. Franke, Sr. of Dearborn, formerly of Detroit. Age 95. July 3, 2014.
Beloved husband of the late Loretta. Loving father of Robert (Roselyn) of Gilbert, Arizona; Susan (James Joyce) of Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan; Michael of Detroit, Michigan; and Douglas (Dawn) of Johannesburg, South Africa. Proud grandfather of Harrison, Celeste, and Camryn. Also survived by four step-grandchildren, three step-great-grandchildren, and his sister, Virginia Sprinkle, of Hampton, Virginia.
Preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Elizabeth, his sister, Betty Corner, and his brother, Edward.
Visitation Friday, July 11, 1:00-7:00 pm with an evening rosary at Dearborn Chapel of Howe-Peterson Funeral Home, 22546 Michigan Avenue. Funeral mass Saturday, July 12, 10:30 am; gathering 10:00 am at Henry Ford Village Chapel, 15101 Ford Road, Dearborn. Memorials may be made to Providence Cancer Institute, 22301 Foster Winter Dr.; Southfield, MI 48075. Attn: Dr. Lyle Goldman.
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