Robert E. Franke

Robert “Bob” E. Franke, 84, of Oakfield, passed away Friday, January 22, 2021 due to COVID-19 complications. He was born to Melvin and Anna (Lund) Franke in Oakfield, WI on November 23, 1936. Robert graduated from Oakfield High School. In 1968 he started working at Mercury Marine until his retirement in 1998. Before retirement he was very active in softball and bowling leagues. Robert loved fishing and teaching his grandchildren to fish. He had a special passion for animals and leaves behind his furry companions, Chipper and Belle. Robert had a great faith in God and was a member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Oakfield.



He is survived by his seven children, Debbie (Joe) Desrochers of DePere, Jeff Franke of Oakfield, Lizanne Franke of Buffalo Lake, MN, Cheryl (Lowell) Zitlow of Oakfield, Joe (Su) Franke of Oakfield, John Franke of New London, CT, and Angela Franke of Fond du Lac; grandchildren, Bradley (Abbey) Kaufman, Tony and Katelyn Desrochers, Tyler and Lexy Zitlow; brothers and sisters, Dori (Wendell) Riel of Waupun, Larry Franke of Oakfield, and Joann (Wayne) Moehr of Mayville. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Robin; granddaughter, Hanna Kaufman; brothers, Leroy and Roger; and his dog, Sam.



Private services will be held at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church and burial will follow in Avoca Cemetery.



In lieu of flowers memorials in Robert’s name can be made to St. Luke’s Lutheran Church or Fond du Lac Humane Society.