Albert Franke Obituary

In Loving Memory of Albert William "Bill" Franke August 12, 2025 | Age 89 Albert William Franke, lovingly known as Bill, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2025, at the age of 89. Born in Markham, Illinois, Bill spent the last two decades of his life in The Villages, Florida, where he found joy in sunshine, golf, and the company of cherished friends. A proud Army veteran, Bill traveled the world during his service, cultivating a lifelong love of exploration and adventure. Throughout his life, Bill wore many hats-from butcher to salesman to working on the golf course-but his greatest pride was always his family. He found happiness in the simple pleasures: driving with the windows down, swapping stories, and teeing off under a blue sky. Bill is survived by his devoted partner Brenda; his children Greg Franke (Jaqueline) and Annette Kula (Rich); grandchildren Shannon, Bridget, Matthew, Kristen, Zachary Kula, and Enzo, Severano, Clodagh, and Adam Franke; great-grandchildren Logan, Harper, and Hudson; and his longtime friend and former wife, Nancy Franke. He had hoped to move into a custom-built cabin beside his daughter Annette, a dream he held close but couldn't fulfill. In his honor, Annette will keep the cabin and fill it with memories and mementos that reflect his spirit and stories. Bill was known for his humor and charm. When asked how he was feeling, he'd often reply, "I feel like a million bucks and some loose change." That wit, that warmth, and that unmistakable sparkle will be missed by all who knew him. We will be honoring and celebrating Bill's life by attending Wednesday mass August 27th ( what would have been his 90th birthday) at St. Mark's Catholic Church in Summerfield at 8:00 and continue the day doing things he enjoyed.

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Published by 352 Today on Aug. 26, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Albert Franke

13 Entries

Nick DiGiovanni

August 19, 2025

Our families met as parishioners at Saint Kieran in Chicago Heights back in the early 70s. Mr. Franke was an integral part of my junior high and high school years. He always had genuine interest in what was going on in my life and he was dedicated to family life. Our families became very close and we hold many priceless memories, many on account of Mr. Franke. Even though we didn´t keep in contact over the last many years, he would continually pop up as I reminisced; and I´m happy to learn that he lived a long life and has passed on peacefully. It brings me great joy that a funeral Mass was celebrated to honor his life. That means a lot these days when people seem to discard the importance of the Mass. While surely he will be missed, nothing compares to what the Lord has in store for those who love Him. May those who mourn his loss take solace in this magnificent reality of our Catholic faith. I will continue to pray for his soul, and I am confident that he will pray for us - now that he knows, with the veil removed, what we all truly need.

Mr. Franke, I am convinced we have not seen each other for a last time. Until we meet again!

Nick DiGiovanni

Joan capodanno

August 19, 2025

May he rest in peace Amen

Grainne O´Driscoll

August 18, 2025

Dear Chico Jacqueline and all of the Franke family,
Sending you love and strength at this difficult time. We have such fond memories of spending time with Bill, both in Ireland and in Chicago at the time of your wedding. He was so proud of his family and had a great sense of fun. Ronan was always fascinated with his stories of
"The Villages". He was a very dapper gentleman and overall legend. Rest in peace dear Bill.
Ronan, Grainne, Rory & Dan O'Driscoll.

Joseph Gietman

August 18, 2025

To the family of Bill my deepest condolences for your loss. From someone who worked with Bill for 10 years I always enjoyed working with him as we also became friends, I enjoyed his wit, humor and shared his love for Portillos

Johanna mulligan

August 18, 2025

Dear Chico and family

We are all thinking of you today, on the day of your father's funeral. We are very sorry for your loss. Sending you lots of love from Dublin Johanna, Barry & Ruby.

Mulligan family

August 17, 2025

Rip Bill , without our love The Mulligan family

Joan Danhour

August 16, 2025

I am so sorry to hear of Bill's
passing. We were friends for many years (since our kids were young) and had lots of good times together with our families. My sympathy to your family. Love you guys

Conor Mulligan

August 16, 2025

We had lovely times when Bill came over to spend time with the Irish side of the family. A great guy. Farewell, best wishes and all our love to you, Bill.
Conor Mulligan

Barry Mulligan

August 16, 2025

Bill was a true gentleman as are you Chico.

May Bill Rest In Peace.

Take care of youself in this time of grief.

Gerry Gainer

August 15, 2025

My late husband Bill and I had many fun times with Bill and his former wife Nancy when we all lived in Chicago Heights. We were all part of a larger group from St Kieran´s Church. We put on shows for fundraisers, all bowled in a league on Sundays, had a couples golf league at Cherry Hills and had hundred of dinners and parties at each others houses. Annette babysat for our kids and they loved her, she always brought candy. Bill was always up for a party and loved to laugh. Never knew his name was Albert, we would surely have teased him about it. He was a lucky guy to have been married to Nancy, everyone loved her as I´m sure Bill did also.

Orlaith Rafter

August 15, 2025

RIP Bill. We met you only once in Ireland when you attended your wonderful son Greg´s birthday party in Dublin; 14 years ago. Both myself and my husband Mick were so struck by what a lovely gentleman you were. So very warm and utterly charming, just like your son! The apple does not fall far from the tree and my husband and I are firm friends of your son and his wonderful wife Jacqueline . We met you with Nancy that evening and we admired your relationship and how you were such firm friends. Coming together to celebrate your beloved son. A testament to the wonderful people you both were, the marriage you once shared and the bond of family values. That spirit will live on in all your Grandchildren and the beautiful legacy you have left behind with both Chico, Netty and their children.
Warmest thoughts and love goes to Greg, Annette and especially Nancy at this very sad time.
Sorrow is temporary, but love, love is forever.
Orlaith and Mick Quinlan.

Esther Broderick

August 15, 2025

To Chico & Jacqueline & family. You have such a lovely family in Ireland and while we never had the privilege of meeting Bill personally, we did have the pleasure of meeting your lovely mom Nancy & your sweet young sons & of course the amazing clodagh & Adam. We can imagine the fabulous family unit you experienced & enjoyed. You are a true credit to him. Rest in peace to your lovely dad.
The Brodericks, Dublin, Ireland

Joyce Butger

August 15, 2025

I met Bill Franke over 60 years ago, when my sister married his brother-in-law. He was always a bigger than life personality who knew how to chat up people and take over a room. The last time we talked was in 2017 and I recall him telling me how much he absolutely loved living in The Villages. I believe Bill lived a rich, rewarding and full life that he truly enjoyed. Annette and Greg and his grandchildren should be comfored by that. I'll always remember him with a big smile on his face and I hope they do, too.

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