Leroy M. Franke

Leroy M. Franke, 74, of Fond du Lac and formerly of Oakfield, died Thursday, July 16, 2009 at Sterling House after a two-year battle with multi myeloma cancer. He was born the son of Melvin and Anna Lund Franke on October 12, 1934 in Oakfield. Leroy was class president, valedictorian and graduate of Oakfield High School class of 1952. Following graduation Leroy served in the National Guard. On December 17, 1960 he married Gretchen M. Marggraf at St. Patrick's Rectory in Fond du Lac. Leroy worked for the Fond du Lac Reporter for 37 years and then at Brenner Tank for 15 years as a credit manager, retiring in 2004. He was a past member of St. James Catholic Church council and lay minister in Oakfield. He was a member of Holy Family Parish, Wings Over Wisconsin, Ducks Unlimited, North Fond du Lac Rod and Gun Club, the Die Hard Chicago Cubs Fan Club, and Fond du Lac Softball Hall of Fame Committee and was the first manager inducted into the Hall of Fame. Leroy managed various Fond du Lac softball teams including, The Commonwealth Reporter, The Sport Shop and Cowles-Henke Insurance. Leroy was very active in coaching in the Fond du Lac Youth Baseball program and also coached his grandson's basketball team at Roberts School. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, bowling, traveling, casinos, raising hunting dogs, picking wild asparagus, running errands, and was an avid Cubs fan. Leroy also enjoyed volunteering at Robert's School, going to concerts at Buttermilk Creek Park, and Community Theater events with his wife, and especially enjoyed going to his grandchildren's school functions.SURVIVORS: his wife, Gretchen; one son, Stephen (Jeannie) Franke, Fond du Lac; four grandchildren, McKinlee, Caray, Hans, and Claire; three sisters, Delores Alexander, Dolores (Wendell) Riel, both of Waupun, JoAnne (Wayne) Moehr, Florida; two brothers, Robert Franke, Larry Franke, both of Oakfield; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Linda Marie; one son, David Scott; one brother, Roger Franke.



VISITATION: will be held from 4 "“ 8 PM on Sunday, July 19, 2009 at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home and again from 9 "“ 10 on Monday at church. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Monday, July 20, 2009 at Holy Family Church, 271 4th Street Way with Rev. Bob Stiefvater officiating. Burial will follow in Avoca Cemetery, Oakfield.Memorials are appreciated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Foundation of Wisconsin.