Valley Funeral Home Obituary: Franzke, Alfred T.

Alfred T. Franzke 78, Appleton, passed away unexpectedly after a short battle with cancer Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at St. Elizabeth Hospital. Al was born November 2, 1929 to the late Edwin and Martha (Dunker) Franzke in Brillion, Wisconsin. He married Carol Klitzke on June 23, 1964. Al was a self-employed painter and roofer for 50 years. He was also a delivery specialist for Cen-pe-Co oil for 32 years. Al owned and operated the Christmas tree lots on Summer and Division Streets in Appleton for 36 years. Al was a hard worker his entire life and enjoyed his farm on Lake Winnebago and his many trips to the casino.

Survivors include his wife Carol; children: Michael Franzke; Lisa (Jeff) Cummings and Dawn Wheeler (special friend, Merle); grandchildren: Jessica Lee, Jackee Lee, Ashley Wheeler and John Wheeler; two great grandchildren: Anthony and Maria; sister Fran Pitz. He is further survived by Carols family: Joan (Jack) Jansen, Leona VanDeraa and Donna Klitzke; nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother Victor; two brothers-in-law: Jim VanDeraa and Bob Pitz; and also his special pet, Samantha.

Funeral services for Al will be held at 6:00 pm Friday, February 29, 2008 at the Valley Funeral Home with Rev. Martin Ruge officiating. Interment will be in Forest Home Cemetery, Forest Junction. Friends may visit the family from 4  6 pm Friday evening at the funeral home. A memorial fund is being established.