Alvin Albert Franke

Alvin Albert “Al” Franke, 81, of Jackson, passed away Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at Mercy Hospital Southeast in Cape Girardeau.

Al was born April 3, 1944, to Albert and Leola (Kassel) Franke in Uniontown, Missouri. He was baptized and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church in Uniontown and was a graduate of the church’s elementary school. He was a 1962 graduate of Perryville High School.

In September 1966, Al was inducted into the U.S. Navy. He was honorably discharged August 14, 1970. On December 23, 1966, he and Judith G. “Judy” Hardy were married at Faith Lutheran Church in St. Louis.

Al attended the University of Missouri, Columbia. In 1970, he received his bachelor of science in forestry, and in 1972, he received his master's in forestry with an emphasis in landscape design. In 1973, he moved from Columbia to Jackson and established Franke’s Countryside Landscape Nursery, retiring in 2019.

He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church since 1973, serving in the following capacities: President of the Congregation, Board of Elders for several terms, former president of the Men’s Club, charter member of the St. Paul Foundation, and taught 7th grade boys Sunday School.

Al’s other affiliations include the University of Missouri Board of Forestry, Fisheries, and Wildlife; Board of PWSD #1; 37-year board member of Citizen’s Electric Company; and longtime member of Jackson Jaycees and Jackson Optimist Club. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting and fishing but above all he loved being with his grandchildren.

Loving survivors include his loving wife of 58 years, Judy Franke of Jackson; three children, Staci (Matt) Wendel and Tiffany (Matt) Steffens, both of Jackson, and Marc (Nikki) Franke of Jefferson City, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Luke, Maci, Hunter and Chase Wendel; Bailey and Audra Steffens, all of Jackson; and Braydon Pemberton of Jefferson City; a brother, Charles (late Darlene) Franke of Uniontown; and a sister-in-law, Luella (late George) Franke of Uniontown.

He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Tammy; stillborn son, Christopher; a goddaughter, Dana Bachmann; a brother, George Franke; and his parents.

Visitation is from 10 a.m. to service time, Saturday, August 30, 2025, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson. The Rev. Joshua Schmidt will conduct the funeral service at 12:30 p.m., Saturday, August 30, at the church. Interment will follow at Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests St. Paul Lutheran Church or School; the Lutheran Home Foundation; or the American Heart Association.

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