Gregory R. Franck

Gregory R. Franck, 62, of Galena, passed away Monday, August 11, 2025, at Galena Stauss in Galena, IL.

Born November 6, 1962, in West Palm Beach, FL, Greg was the son of Gary R. and Nancy P. (Pressler) Franck. He graduated from Cumberland Valley High School in Mechanicsburg, PA and later earned his Bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois - Chicago.

Greg served in the Army National Guard for 16 years beginning in 1980, including a deployment to Germany during Desert Storm. After his military service, he built a career in finance with Volkswagen, though his true passions lay elsewhere.

Gregory loved his family more than anything else, and that love shaped everything he did. He believed the most important thing in life was simply to be happy and love each other - a philosophy he carried into every corner of his world. Those who knew Gregory understood he was a man born for another time; he'd tell anyone who'd listen that he belonged in the 1950s, everything from food to transportation was better in his mind back then. His fascination with trains ran deep, as did his unusual but earnest interest in plane disasters. Gregory was an avid Boy Scout leader and longtime volunteer at Arlington Heights' Frontier Days, where he shaped young lives and brought joy to his community year after year.

Gregory married Kim Rabideau on November 19, 1988 in Arlington Heights, Illinois, and though their marriage ended, they remained good friends and raised two beautiful and strong children together: Evan (Alexandria) Franck of Arlington Heights and Natalie (Benjamin Dul) Franck of Downers Grove, IL.

Gregory touched the lives of everyone he met, sharing his infectious laughter with all who crossed his path. His smile made the world a softer place, and those fortunate enough to know him carried that warmth with them. Though he is deeply missed, Gregory's spirit lives on in every life he touched and every heart he lightened.

He is also survived by his father, Gary Franck of Crawfordville, FL; his siblings Linda (Michael J.) Ganster of Cassville, WI and Jeffrey (Deniz) Franck of Crawfordville, FL; his nieces and nephews Jasmine, David, Jenna, and Dylan; and his neighbors and friends, Chris and Terry.

Gregory was preceded in death by his mother, Nancy.

The family would like to extend a deeply heartfelt Thank You to the staff at Galena Stauss; thank you for going above and beyond and getting to know him as a person. His laugh will be missed.