Barbara A. Franken

Barbara A. Franken, 75, of De Pere passed away peacefully on November 14, 2025. Barbara was born on December 28, 1949, to Gene and Lois Kee. She graduated from Gladstone High School in 1968. She worked for 33 years as an administrative assistant for the Northeast District of the United Methodist Churches alongside many district superintendents and bishops. She loved her job and all the wonderful people she interacted with.
After retiring, she enjoyed working in her yard, taking her daily 5 mile walks no matter what kind of weather, and spending time with her great grand kids. Barbara was an active member at First United Methodist Church and United Women in Faith. She served on several committees, her last being a member of the First Preschool Board. She loved watching the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Atlanta Braves, and her newest team, Inter Miami FC.
Her loving spirit will always be remembered by her son, Todd Franken; her daughter Amy(Tom, favorite SIL)Ruiz; three grand kids, RW (Hannah) Eakin, Katie (Matthew) Andres, and Alex Ruiz; 6 great grand kids, Lila, Elliot, and Oliver Eakin, Luna, Greyson, and Asher Andres; one sister Janet Peterson, and several nieces and nephews.
Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, David, her parents, her in-laws Robert & Marguerite Franken, brother, David Kee, and several aunts and uncles.
Friends may call First United Methodist Church, 501 Howe Street, Green Bay on Saturday, November 22, 2025 from 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM with Pastor Jeffrey Meyer officiating. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ecumenical Partnership for Housing, Unity Hospice, or First Preschool and Day Care. Ryan Funeral Home in De Pere is assisting the family.
We would like to thank the nurses and CNA's at the Meng Residence Unity Hospice for all of their wonderful care with our mom and sister. In addition, we would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and her oncologist team at Bellin Hospital.