Bruce A. Franke

Obituary

Bruce Allen Franke was born on September 13, 1962, in Glencoe, Minnesota. He was the son of Kenneth and Myra (Wilkens) Franke. Bruce was baptized as an infant on September 30, 1962, by Pastor Otto Misch, and later was confirmed in his faith as a youth on April 24, 1977, by Pastor Raymond Wiebold, both at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Plato, Minnesota. He received his education in Glencoe, graduating with the Glencoe High School Class of 1981. 

Following high school, Bruce worked a variety of jobs until finding his passion in the printing industry. He worked as a print pressman at Kopycat Printing in Glencoe, Minnesota, Crow River Press in Hutchinson, Minnesota, and later at Valley Printing in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

Bruce was united in marriage to Teresa Nelson on February 14, 1998. The couple shared 5 and a half years together.

Bruce enjoyed spending time outdoors, hunting, and fishing. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, and playing billiards; he was a part of a number of pool leagues over the years with many awards to show. Bruce celebrated 21 years of sobriety along with the support of his family and AA. Bruce dedicated the last few years of his life to providing needed support and care for his parents, Ken & Myra.  His commitment and dedication to his family was greatly valued by all.  

Bruce passed away on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at his home in Plato, Minnesota, at the age of 61 years. Blessed be his memory.

Bruce is survived by his
Dad, Kenneth Franke of Plato, MN;
Siblings,  Michael John Franke and his wife, Beverly, of Warsaw, MN,
                Amy Lynn Thomas and her significant other, Al Hansen, of Danvers, MN,
                David William Franke and his wife, Danaya, of Golden Valley, MN;
Nieces and Nephews, Ryan Franke, Dana Franke, Vincent Thomas, Dayton Franke, Dawson Franke;
Great-Nephew, Theo Andreas;
Aunts and Uncles,  Doris Schwirtz of Plato, MN,
                               Orville Wilkens and his wife, Betty, of Plato, MN,
                               Vernon Wilkens and his wife, Colleen, of Plato, MN,
                               Charles Wilkens and his wife, Peggy, of Plato, MN,
                               Bonnie Wilkens of Norwood Young America, MN;
Many cousins, other relatives, and many friends.

Bruce was preceded in death by his mother, Myra Franke; grandparents, William and Mabel Franke, Henry and Lorna Wilkens; Aunt and Uncles, Lois Pinske and her husband, Charles, Raymond Wilkens, Richard Schwirtz.