Jerome Lothair Franke

1948 - 2019

BORN

1948

DIED

2019

Jerome Franke Obituary

Franke, Jerome Lothair Jerome (Jerry) Lothair Franke, age 70, of Fox Point and Appleton died on Friday, June 28, 2019 in Horizon's Lawlis Family Hospice. Jerry was born July 31, 1948 in Chicago, Illinois and studied violin at the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago. Jerry moved to Milwaukee in the early 1970s and was a member of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra for over thirty years. He held the title of Assistant Concertmaster and performed as a violin soloist with the orchestra on numerous occasions. Jerry was a dedicated and thoughtful teacher. He coached, advised, and adjudicated for the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra and maintained a robust private teaching studio throughout his musical career. Jerry's passions included racing his Porsche, gardening, cooking, watching baseball (White Sox and Brewers), telling jokes, and collecting art. He was interested in Japanese prints, Pre-Columbian artifacts, Persian rugs, Outsider art, and Indian bronzes. He is survived by his son Jay Franke, step-son Shields Bergstrom, sisters Terrye Cortesi and Karen Franke, and significant other Samantha George. In lieu of flowers, donations to the MYSO Jerome Franke Memorial Scholarship may be sent to: Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO) 325 W. Walnut Street Milwaukee, WI 53212

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Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Jul. 7, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Jerome Franke

10 Entries

Michael Kron

July 2, 2025

I cant hear classical music or strings in any genre without thinking of my compadre, Jerry. An extraordinary musician and person . Will be missed forever.

Patrick Murphy

March 5, 2023

Jerome was a classmate of mine at St. Patrick H.S. in Chicago. We graduated in 1966. I remember Jerome because he was a fan of the Chicago White Sox, and I was a fan of the Chicago Cubs, and we always talked about which team was better. He was also the only guy I knew at that time who could actually read music (Jerome was on St. Pat's "Swing Band"), and he always told the best jokes. Photo is Jerome's Senior Portrait from 1966 Yearbook. I didn't know that Jerome had passed away until just recently. I will miss him. (March 5, 2023)

Mike K

July 1, 2022

Cant listen to classical music without thinking of him.

Esther Tseng

December 27, 2020

It has been over 20 years since I moved away from Milwaukee, but I will always remember how Mr. Franke changed and improved my technique so dramatically in the lone year I studied with him. He was always so kind and funny, learning with him was such a joy and opened up my eyes to so many possibilities. It made me wish I had studied with him much, much sooner. What a gift he had, and that he was to the rest of us in MYSO.

Roger Greene

September 20, 2020

Jerry was a good friend when he was studying at the American Conservatory. I was a piano and theory teacher. My roommate was Charles Moore who would later become the President of ACM. Jerry and a friend of his named Adrian (last name ?), both violinists, spent many after school hours in our apartment. Good friends, good times, good memories.

Carl Rath

September 20, 2019

I am so sad to hear of Jerry's passing. We had a great time together talking popular music and The Beatles, along with friends and colleagues we had in common through the years. I will miss the fun talks we had. RIP, Jerry.

July 8, 2019

Both of us from Chicago, both of us the same age, and both with the same birthday - but of course I was the one with no musical talent. He was a friend and violin instructor to two of my daughters. No wonder I felt him a sort of kindred but infinitely more talented spirit. Extraordinary artist, teacher and human. I was so shocked to hear of his passing, he is the kind of guy who you would think will and should live forever. Gosh, he will be so missed - Indiana K

Tara Zamorano

July 8, 2019

I was so lucky to have renewed my friendship with Jerry last summer and introduce him to my husband and two boys. He was so funny and full of energy - we could hardly keep up with him as he showed us Chicago. My heartfelt sympathy to Samantha, Jay, Shields and his sisters. He was one of a kind.

Roger & Linda Ilsley

July 8, 2019

Roger & I hold close our memories of Jerry. From our first meeting, as neighbors, in Shorewood, to years of friendship, Jerry's energies and passion for life were always at the forefront. Our kindest wishes go to Jay, Shields and Samantha who I know will miss him keenly.
Roger & Linda Ilsley, Topanga, CA

Linda Sui

July 7, 2019

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

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