Chester Allen “Chet” Franke, age 91, was called home by his Lord on Easter morning. April 20, 2025, in palliative care in Marshfield, Wisconsin, with loved ones by his side.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Marshfield, with Pastor Chris Schwanz officiating. Visitation will be at the church on Friday morning from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Full Military Honors will follow at the church. Burial will take place at Brooklawn Memory Gardens at a later date.
Pallbearers will be: Scott Franke, Gary Franke, Jason Kopp, Travis Kopp, John Mueller, and Kevin Clark.
Chet was born on June 3, 1933, the son of John and Bessie (Gardner) Franke, in Chili, Wisconsin. He graduated from Loyal High School in 1951. Following graduation, he worked at Pauly Cheese Co. (later Marathon Cheese). In 1956, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving from 1956-1958 in Germany. After his discharge, he remained in the Reserves for seven years.
In 1958, upon returning from the service, he took a job with Seeman L.P. Gas in Loyal, Wisconsin. He met the love of his life, Donna Mae Kopp, in 1959. They were married on June 18, 1960, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Marshfield (their home).
Chet started Franke Photography and took many first communion, confirmation, and wedding pictures over his 30-plus years in business – taking over 1,500 wedding pictures alone. He also took real estate pictures for area Realtors.
He held a full-time job at the Marshfield News-Herald as a dark room technician and photo engraver from Sep. 1966 – Jan. 1998, in which he retired.
Chet enjoyed traveling with Donna, especially to Branson, Missouri, and also eating out. He loved going deer hunting with his son, Darrin, and others; and loved going up North with family to Darrin’s and Vicki’s cabin, or just talking about the adventures when he wasn’t able to go. He even went for a side-by-side ride last fall with “Mom and the Boys,” which still brings a smile to all when thought about.
Chet is survived by his wife of almost 65 years, Donna; his sons, Daniel (special friend, Tonya) and Darrin (Vicki); sister-in-law, Judith Franke; brother-in-law, Robert Kopp (Kathleen); and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and father-and-mother-in-law, Arnold and Hilda Kopp; siblings, Lois Carlson Schindler, Kenneth Franke, Rodney Franke; sisters-in-law, Alma Franke, Sharon Ratsch; brothers-in-law, Clifford Carlson, James Schindler, Ronald Ratsch; nephews, Alan Carlson, John Franke, and Erland Carlson.
The Hansen-Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation Center is honored to be assisting the family.
Author: News Desk
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