Michael Andrew Franke, 63, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away peacefully on December 10, 2023, at Stillwater Hospice Home, he was a son of the late William J. Sr. and Ann C. Franke. Michael had a wonderful life that started as a child on south Fairfield Avenue and he attended St. John the Baptist Catholic grade school and Bishop Luers High School. He enjoyed the holidays when everyone got together. Most important to him was his family that he loved ever so dearly. He met the love of his life Theresa A. Herber in 1983 and they were married at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church on October 26, 1985. Married for 38 years, Michael revered Theresa's great faith in God and how she took great care of her husband and two children. Her persistence kept Michael alive longer than expected. She survives along with their loving daughter, Katherine "Katie" Ann (Eric), Michael's little Pocahontas; son, James Michael, his best buddy in the world that loved to hang out with him; and the family dog, Ellie, who had Michael by the paw. As a family they shared so much together, as nothing meant more to Michael than his family. He lived for his family and has promised to be their Guardian Angel until they are all together again. Also surviving are his siblings, William J. Franke Jr., Mary Franke Erb, Stephen (Rebecca) Franke, and David (Tina) Franke. Michael could have never been more blessed to be their baby brother and asks that they all keep up the family traditions. Also surviving him are his nieces and nephews, Tammy, Rachel, Jeff, Scott, Amy, Derek, and Stephan; along with cousins; in-laws- that he loved; sister-in-law, Cherylene Franke; and life-long friends, Jimmy "Gamby" Gamble, Patrick "P.K" Kinder, and Fred "Freddie" Sturm. What great fun they enjoyed together. Michael was also preceded in passing by his brother, Richard Franke; and sister-in-law, Barbara Franke. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at St. Peter's Catholic Church 518 East Dewald Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46803 with visitation beginning at 9:30 am. Burial to follow the service at Catholic Cemetery. Contributions in Michael's memory may be made to Bishop Luers High School. Condolences may be left online at www.klaehnfahlmeltonfunerals.com.

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Published by Fort Wayne Newspapers on Dec. 14, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Franke

8 Entries

chris hickey

April 21, 2025

Mike and I played baseball together at Foster Park. He was a good man, very
genuine. I remember the last time I ran into him at Kroger. He hollered over
to me, "Hey 'Hickey'! I'll always remember that.
May he rest in peace.
Chris

Susan

December 19, 2023

Enjoyed cutting your hair before i came to work in your neighborhood I know your spirit is glowing just as bright as it ever was! Susan

Karl

December 15, 2023

He was a Great man and did the best for his family and the komets family.

Amanda Schuhler

December 15, 2023

Theresa and family may you always know how many lives Michael touched. I had the pleasure of seeing him every other week if not weekly ,when he would come in and get lean treats for Bridget. If it were summer he would joke that they were his reward for doing yard work. He brightened many of my Saturdays !! He got the best laughes coming in at 11:55. My heart hurts for you.

DAVID B DAUGHDRILL

December 15, 2023

I can remember when Mike came along as a surprise to his parents. As he grew older he played with his brothers and myself. I lived next door to the Franke's for the first 16 years of my life and counted them as my closest friends. We used to play hockey with a ball in their backyard. I remember talk of what the brothers would do if they owned the Komets. I lived in Arizona for 8 years and imagine my surprise when I heard that the Komets were in Phoenix and that the General Manager was David Franke and the President was Michael. You will be greatly missed and the lives that you and your family have touched are hard to number. I offer my condolences to Michael's family and friends. David Daughdrill

Andrew L

December 14, 2023

I remember the 1990 Komet hockey season like it was yesterday. The very first exhibition game that year my good friend Roger and I go up the escalators and there's Michael Franke in a tuxedo shaking hands with all the fans welcoming them. Michael Franke made Komet fans feel as if we were part of the team. That 90-91 team that Michael and his brothers put together was magical. I stopped going to games regularly after the 1997 season but whenever I saw Michael in public he was always so kind wanting to talk Komet hockey. In today's world where so much is about money, Michael had a way of touching the heart with people. Thank you Michael for the kindness and that glorious 1990-91 Komet hockey season. The memories are endless. I remember when we won the Turner cup in 1993 and you spoke about your mother. Now you can rejoice with her in Heaven. Rest in Peace Mr. Franke

Cappy Castle

December 14, 2023

Will always remember his booming "hello" and usually a funny comment from the sidewalk as he was out and about in the neighborhood. Memories last a lifetime. My prayers are with the family.

Virginia Simone Wyman

December 14, 2023

RIP. Did not know you personally, but heard what good things the Franke family did. Virginia W.

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