George Franke
Wood River |
George F. Franke, 80, formerly of East Alton, passed away at 4:35pm on Tuesday, November 19, 2013, at Alton Memorial Hospital with his family by his side. He was born on February 22, 1933, in Thayer, Missouri the son of the late John and Elizabeth (Friedman) Franke. He married the former Catherine Lasseter on July 11, 1952, in Thayer, Missouri and she survives. Other survivors include one daughter and a son in law: Cathi and Tom Stalcup of Wood River, five grandchildren and their spouses: George Christopher and Sarah Plank of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Alison and Mike Beachum of East Alton, Jeremy Stalcup of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Alicia Stalcup of St. Louis, Missouri, Christopher Stalcup of Elgin, Illinois, eight great grandchildren: Austin Beachum, Morgan Beachum, Victoria Beachum, Kenny Beachum, Ellie Beachum, William Plank, Emma Plank, and Mia Stalcup.
He was formerly employed for over 30 years as a teacher, principal, and retired as the Assistant Superintendent for the East Alton School District #13. He served on the East Alton Fire and Police Commission Board, the Zoning Board Commission in East Alton. He was a trustee for Wood River Township for six years. He was a member of the Wood River Masonic Lodge #1062 A.F. & A.M. and the Wood River Moose Lodge #1349. He was an avid golfer making two hole in ones within a year of each other. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren watching them play sports. He was a veteran of the United States Army.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother: Johnny Ray Franke, and one sister: JoAnn Ross.
In celebration of his life, visitation will be from 4pm to 7pm on Thursday, November 21, 2013, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River. Funeral services will be held at 11am on Friday, November 22, 2013, at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Woodland Hill Cemetery in East Alton with full military rites by the Ritual Team of VFW Post 1308 of Alton.
Memorials are suggested to the Varsity Cheerleaders at East Alton Wood River High School or to the Varsity Softball Team at East Alton Wood River High School.
Online guestbook available at www.pitchfordfuneralhome.com.
Pitchford Funeral Home
