Gerry Franke Obituary

Name: Memorial service for Gerry Franke
Start: 2019-11-30T19:00:00.000Z
Location: Frisco Residence

Gerry Franke Surrounded by his loving family, Gerry Franke passed peacefully to eternal life on November 11, 2019. He was well known for his optimism and cheerful disposition, which he maintained through his struggle with pancreatic cancer. Gerry proudly served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Vietnam, achieving the rank of Sergeant as a Radio Teletype Team Chief. In 1973, Gerry attended Cal Poly, graduated with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Electronic Engineering. Cal Poly was sacred ground to Gerry. At Cal Poly that he networked with an amazing group of friends that he would consider his second family. His dedicated work ethic and good cheer was infectious and radiated throughout the university. In 2015 after his "official retirement" he returned home to San Luis Obispo County, California to be close to family. Gerry lived life to the fullest. He enjoyed every opportunity to smile and be a positive person. He never met a stranger. Gerry was a dreamer, perfectionist, and embraced life with zest. He was a practical joker, extremely intelligent, diligent, kind, honest and honorable. He enjoyed his family more than life itself. He enjoyed working hard and being busy. His interests included being an Amateur Radio operator with the call sign "N6BRR"; he was a paid call firefighter for CDF at Engine 21 based at San Luis Obispo County airport. He was a fireworks fanatic. For many years was a key component in the Delta's Annual Fourth of July Independence Day Firework show in Stockton, where he created the "X-Box", the brains of the firing panel. Gerry will be missed by all that knew him. He is survived by his wife, Cheryl , his four children, Denise, Patrick, Cherise, Ryan and his five grandchildren, Haley, Luke, Dane, Blake, and Kinsley. A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held at the Frisco Residence in Paso Robles, on Saturday, November 30th, at 11am sharp. Please contact [email protected] for details.

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Published by San Luis Obispo County Tribune from Nov. 28 to Nov. 29, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Gerry Franke

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6 Entries

Gerry with Little Tank at Morro Bay, CA

Sharon Umatum

February 23, 2020

My husband, Gary and were so fortunate to have met Gerry & Cheryl at Morro Bay Dunes with all our family and old friends from Venice High School. Because there were two Jerry's there he said to others "My name is Gerry with a G" so needless to say we all had fun with it around the campfire. We send our condolences to all the family. I posted a picture of him with Little Tank. RIP Gerry with a "G" and God Bless and Keep You. Love the Umatums

Mark Rowell

December 4, 2019

Like Rusty Hobbs, I was fortunate to know and call Gerry a friend for many years. He was a great guy and always looked for the positive in people. I will really miss him and wished I knew of his health issues sooner so I could have visited him before his passing. God bless you Gerry.

December 1, 2019

I live in; Wanship Utah. and I met Gerry while he was working for All West Communications. in Coalville Utah.. Gerry and I had some adventures together with The Summit county Search and Rescue. He joined as a Member and participated in events going on in the county, while he lived here. He was my friend he always had time to stop and visit if he saw you. a very nice guy. May he.. Rest in Peace! God Bless..

Rusty Hobbs, N6OCR

November 30, 2019

I wish to extend my deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to Cheryl and the family. I just learned of Gerry's passing this afternoon, (11/30) and see that I have unfortunately missed his services. We both shared a common bond as brother U.S. Army Vietnam Veterans and military Radio Telephone Operators, or RTOs as we were called. Gerry and I became fast friends when he and I met as members of SLOSAR, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Search And Rescue Unit where he unselfishly dedicated his time and talents to the citizens and visitors of San Luis Obispo County. Gerry was instrumental in my obtaining my HAM radio license and N6OCR call sign. During his tenure in SLOSAR, his organizational skills and oversight in our radio communications were key elements in the success of many SLOSAR missions. Again, I was deeply saddened this afternoon when I learned of his passing. I am further saddened knowing I did not reach out more aggressively to my friend when I learned he had returned to North County from Idaho. I made a couple of calls and sent a text and now recall thinking I would get the opportunity to see him again in the not too distant future. To those who are reading this: Please tell your friends and family members that you care and are thinking about them. Don't wait like I did.
He will be deeply missed by me and his SLOSAR family as well. May God bless you and keep you until I see you again my brother.

Carole Grandmain

November 30, 2019

Gerry was the nicest guy, and always smiling. My fondest memories are in our younger years when our families camped up at Lake Shasta every summer.

Richard Moen

November 29, 2019

Denise, Patrick & family, I only met you dad a few times but he always impressed me as 'a good man'. You are in our prayers.

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