Obituary of Charles H. Franke JR

Charles H. Franke, JR (Charlie), age 84, of Lake Ozark, Missouri, departed this life Tuesday, August 7, 2018 at Osage Beach Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Osage Beach, Missouri.

Charlie was born September 11, 1933 in St. Louis, Missouri.  He was the son of Charles H. Franke SR and Valmeta (Grund) Franke.

Charlie was a graduate of Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri.  He was a proud veteran, having served his country with the United States Army and following his honorable discharge, Charlie enjoyed a long spanning career in marketing.  Charlie was married to Mary Ann Frahm in June of 1956. She preceded him in death.

On November 30, 1984 in Wheaton, Illinois, Charlie was united in marriage to Valerie Loeb.  They shared over 33 loving years together at the time of his death.

Charlie retired to Lake of the Ozarks and enjoyed his life to the fullest.  He was an avid golfer and was a loyal supporter of Hope House.  He co-organized the annual fundraiser for the Hope House Golf Classic Tournament for 5 years.

Charlie was a caring and compassionate man who had the privilege to volunteer in the Cancer Center at Lake Regional Health System. He met and assisted people who had greater physical needs than himself.

Osage Beach Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center was a place he frequently visited. He brought pretzels to the residents and became known as the “Pretzel Man.”

Hospice Compassus, Osage Beach, provided Charlie the opportunity to comfort and support patients in need of compassion and generous care.

Charlie was a Parishioner of Our Lady of the Lake and loved the Ministries he experienced:  Member of the Social Concerns Commission, “Ministry for the Poor” and serving his Parish Community as a greeter, usher and Eucharistic Minister.

Charlie loved his family for he was young at heart and never grew old regardless of his age. He had boundless energy and a zest for living life with joy and dignity. He was loved by many and will be missed by all.

Charlie leaves behind his loving wife, Valerie, of the home;  his son Stephen David Franke and wife, Elizabeth, of Aurora, Illinois; his daughters Cheryl Lynn Thill and husband, David, of Oswego, Illinois and Debra Lee Beaty and husband, John, of Burr Ridge, Illinois; four grandchildren, Daniel, John, Aidan, and Carly; and one great granddaughter, Isabel Jaeger.  Charlie is also survived by his sister Gail Knoll and husband, Walter, of Afton, Missouri; along with numerous other relatives and many friends.

In addition to his first wife, Mary Ann, Charlie was preceded in death by his parents Charles Sr and Valmeta Franke.

Services will be held Thursday, August 23, 2018, with Visitation from 9:00 – 11:00 am and Mass at 11:00 am, at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Lake Ozark, Missouri.  A private family interment will be held.

Memorial donations are suggested to any of the following charities:

Hope House: PO Box 2381., Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Lake Regional Health System, Cancer Center, 54 Hospital Dr., Osage Beach MO 65065

Osage Beach Healthcare Center, 844 Passover Road, Osage Beach, MO 65065

Hospice Compassus, 5780 Osage Beach Pkwy., Suite 230, Osage Beach, MO 65065

Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, Bagnell Dam Blvd., P.O. Box 2390, Lake Ozark, MO 65049

 Or Charity of your choice.