Ronald Dean Franke's Obituary
Ronald Dean Franke, age 90, of Madison Heights, passed away at home on January 19, 2023.
Ron was born on September 24, 1932 to Eva and Edmund Franke in Grant Park, Illinois. After graduating high school in Grant Park in 1950, Ron went onto join the U.S. Navy from 1952-1956 during the Korean War. He was very patriotic and was proud of his country and the time he spent serving in the Navy.
After Ron’s days in the Navy, he met his first wife, Amanda Jean Mosley. They were married in 1960 until her passing in 2009. Ron is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia Clark, his three doting children; Jennifer (Bill) Hansberry, Elizabeth (Butch) Carpenter, and Christopher (Ashley) Franke. He is also survived by his six grandchildren; Evan (Leanne), Chloe, Bailey, Kate, Clare and Zach, and siblings Edmund and Dolores. He is preceded in death by his siblings Donna and Vearl.
He was very proud of his children and grandchildren and their many accomplishments. You would often overhear him telling stories of his childhood when the family would get together. He felt one of life’s greatest joys was being a Dad, Grandpa, and Husband.
Ron was a man who lived to help others and also liked to keep active in all aspects of his life. At just eight years old Ron started his first job as a “Newspaper Boy” during WWII. In the early 1960’s, Ron served as a probation officer in Detroit before becoming a social worker in the Royal Oak School District. He enjoyed passing his knowledge and wisdom onto others. Throughout his earlier careers, Ron was also a financial advisor which he continued to do until his passing.
He was a Christian man and was loved by many in his community. He made many friendships at the Royal Oak Church of Christ over the last 50 years. He served as a Deacon and The Director of the State Fair Program for many years. At his 90th birthday celebration in September, Ron made sure to end his speech to his friends and loved ones by stating, “I’ve lived a long time and you don’t live a long time without a lot of help from a lot of people. Sometimes it’s the smallest thing we say to people that make a difference. Be nice to those that are just the average person and encourage those around you. There’s nothing better in life than when you love somebody and they love you too”.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 26, 2023 from 3:00-8:00pm at the Hopcroft Funeral Home located at 31145 John R Rd, Madison Heights 48071. A service at the Royal Oak Church of Christ located at 115 S Campbell Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067 will be held on January 27, 2023 at 11am; he will lie instate beginning at 10am. A luncheon at the church will immediately follow the conclusion of the service. He will be laid to rest at Oak View Cemetery. A memorial contribution would be appreciated to the Church of Christ Disaster Relief https://www.disasterreliefeffort.org/
What’s your fondest memory of Ronald?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ronald?
Share a story where Ronald's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ronald you’ll never forget.
How did Ronald make you smile?