Richard Franzke

Richard Franzke, 67, of Appleton, Wisconsin passed into eternal life after a short but courageous battle with lung cancer surrounded by family on Tuesday September 22, 2020 at Appleton Medical Center.

Rick was born May 4, 1953 in Fon Du Lac, Wisconsin to the late Alfred Franzke and Rachael (Hernandez) Pack.  He married his forever love Debra on December 7, 1992. Rick proudly served in the United States Marine Corps. He would always make sure to stop at the local VFW brat fry because he enjoyed supporting, talking and sharing memories with them. He loved playing cribbage, watching movies, playing his guitars, listening to music and every Sunday cheering for the Packers. He especially loved hanging out with his great grandson (who he had a very special bond) Raiden, playing cars or dinosaurs, or teaming up to pester Debra. Rick was also a member of Alcoholics Anonymous for 35 years.  Rick was a kind and very generous man. When anyone needed help he would be the first person to help or just sit and listen without judgement. He worked as a house builder for his dad, Ron at Ron Pack construction until Ron’s passing.

Rick is survived by his wife of 27 years, Debra; children, Marty Franzke, Richard (Geneva) Franzke, Evie Franzke, Jessica (Anthony) Austin, Matthew (Cathrine) Franzke, Rachael (Shawn) Franzke, Walter Winters and Tammy (Bill) Brockman; 24 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; sisters, Dawn, Lisa (Jeff) Cummings; siblings-in-law, Dawn (Art) Ruedinger, Gina (Brian) Kubinski, Patrick (Michelle) Reischl, Norbert (Kathy) Reischl, Susan (Rick) Stermer, Reane Hooper, Jeff Reischl, Toby (Kelly) Reischl, John ( Andrea) Lappen, Jaye (Melissa) Lappen, David Reischl and Kim Reischl; numerous other dear family and friends.

In addition to his parents, Rick is preceded in death by his brother, Mike Franzke; step-father, Ron Pack and brother-in-law Paul Reischl.

A Celebration of Life will be officiated at 3 PM for Rick on Friday, October 2, 2020 at Wichmann Funeral Home- Laemmrich Chapel, 312 Milwaukee St., Menasha, WI 54952 by Rev. Gina Kubinski, with full Millitary Honors being rendered.  Friends and family may visit at the funeral home following the service until 6 PM.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the ICU and Hospice nurses and doctors of ThedaCare Regional Medical Center- Appleton for their dedication and treatment of Rick.

“Don’t shed a tear for me but rather rejoice knowing that I’m in the arms of my Lord and Savior, In his ever lasting Love, Life and Glory”