William H. “Bill” Franke, age 83, of Hilliard and formerly Marysville, died peacefully Sunday, December 17th, 2023 at home surrounded by his loving family.
On February 11, 1940, Bill was born in Akron, Ohio, the elder of two sons of the late William Henry Franke and Josephine Pearl (Ross) Franke Klimak. He spent some of his childhood in Akron, where he was proud to be the city’s marble champion. After losing his father when he was 10 years old his family moved to Cuyahoga Falls. He was a pitcher on the baseball team at Cuyahoga Falls High School and graduated in the class of 1957.
Bill met Judy during his senior year in high school. They were married on March 17, 1960. Bill attended Kent State University and then enlisted in the US Air Force where he served from 1961-1965 in their Aeronautical Systems Division. After Bill was honorably discharged from the Air Force he and Judy returned to Cuyahoga Falls and he began working at Goodyear in Akron.
In 1968 he partnered with his stepfather Melvin Klimak in starting the Falls Fibre Disc Company. Upon the passing of his stepfather in 1979 Bill started his own company, Franke’s Wood Products, in Marysville, Ohio. Within the next few years all three of Bill’s children became involved. By 1996 they had outgrown their facility on N. Main Street and moved to their current location on Collins Avenue. With the recent addition of two grandchildren the family business is now a fourth generation company.
Bill loved and supported community sports. He helped found the Heart of Ohio Girls Softball Association. He was active for many years in the Marysville Junior Baseball and Softball Association and helped build the three baseball diamonds at the high school. Bill also coached Little League baseball and junior high baseball and softball. He, himself, played co-ed softball, golfed and bowled in many leagues over the years. He enjoyed fishing and was a member of the Heart of Ohio Fish & Game Club. He was an avid fan of Ohio State football and basketball. And he faithfully attended countless sporting events, dance and music recitals of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Bill loved to socialize with his many friends and was a member of the Marysville Eagles Lodge 3506, Marysville Elks Lodge 1130, Marysville Moose Lodge 107, and the Marysville VFW Post 882. He was also a member of the Aladdin Shrine Temple as well as the Union County Shrine Club. In his 40 years as a Shriner he helped his local Shrine raised over $200,000 to help crippled children acquire treatment at no cost. He was also a member of the Royal Order of Jesters Columbus Court 8. He was a 32nd Degree Master Mason (Scottish Rite). He also was a member of the Marysville First United Methodist Church, now Cornerstone Global Methodist Church.
Bill was artistic and adventurous. He could draw and paint almost anything and created spectacular floats for the annual baseball day parades. Bill and Judy traveled the world with his brother, David, and his wife Kandy.
Having never met a stranger, with Bill’s warmth and authenticity, he made fast friends everywhere he went. He had a heart that overflowed with compassion for people. His ability to give second chances changed lives. He was a genuine man, who believed in helping the underdog, the downtrodden and those in need. Most important to Bill was his family. He was proud of his family and the family business. No matter who he was talking to, he would always talk about family and share stories about their family business.
Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Judy Franke of Hilliard; three children: Christopher (Catherine) Franke of Milford Center, Kevin (Amy) Franke of Marysville, and Michelle (Shelley) Franke of Hilliard; 8 grandchildren: Annamarie (Andrew) Wiant, Angela (Benjamin) Jerome, Seth Reymark Franke, Micaela (Christian) Rodgers, Jonah Franke, Garrett (Emma) Franke, and Devan and Ellie Franke; three great-grandchildren: Jase, Wade, and Aria Wiant, and one more on the way; his brother, Dr. David (Kandy) Franke of Bridgeport, WV; a brother-in-law, Jim Lord of Cuyahoga Falls; numerous nieces and nephews; and his feline friend, Gidget.
In addition to his parents and step-father, Bill was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Judy Lord; and his canine companions: Malcolm and Cass.
His family will greet friends from 3 – 7 pm on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at Ingram Funeral Home, 975 N. Maple St., Marysville. Services honoring his life will be held at The Rock Church, 1003 N. Maple St., Marysville at 11 am on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, with Pastor Tom Powers officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Union County Honor Guard. There will also be a special Masonic Service at 1:00pm on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at Ingram Funeral Home. All are welcome to attend this special service.
In honor of Bill’s legacy memorial contributions may be made to the William H. Franke Scholarship Fund which is currently in the process of being established. This will be an annual scholarship awarded to a male and female student at Marysville High School. This scholarship will be awarded to students who have exemplified exceptional academic performance in the classroom and active contributions and participation in community service. Donations may be mailed to Ingram Funeral Home.
Ingram Funeral Home is honored to serve Bill’s family and your condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.IngramFuneralService.com.