Mr. Herman Ephraim William Franke, 90, of Seymour, passed away Sunday, June 16, 2019, at home surrounded by his family. He was born in Jackson County to the late Albert and Emma (Mellencamp) Franke.
Funeral services will be conducted by Voss & Sons Funeral Service at Zion Lutheran Church (1501 Gaiser Dr., Seymour) on Saturday, June 22, at 10:30 a.m. with Revs. Bradley Akey and Mark Press officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery with full military graveside rites conducted by VFW Post 1925, American Legion Post 89, Disabled Veterans 47, Korean and Vietnam Veterans, all of Seymour.
Family and friends may call at Voss & Sons Funeral Service on Friday from 4-8 p.m. and Zion Lutheran Church on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until time of service.
He was confirmed on May 24, 1942, at St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church in Waymansville by Pastor R. C. Schulz. He was a graduate of Cortland High School; class of 1947. He was a retired farmer and a veteran of the U. S. Army serving during the Korean War in Anti-Aircraft battalions. On October 9, 1954, in Seymour, he married Irma Thoele; she survives. Mr. Franke was a founding member of Zion Lutheran Church where he served on various boards throughout the years. He was a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years; children, Joseph (Sandra) Franke, John (Kathryn) Franke, Katherine (Robert) Verner, and Margaret (Richard) Ritter; grandchildren, Alexander Franke, Emma Franke, Anne Franke, William Franke, James Franke, Steven Franke, Daniel Franke, Melinda Franke, John Franke, Joseph Franke, Lauren Verner, Rachel Verner, Richard Ritter, Maxwell Ritter, Nathan Ritter, Lilya Ritter, and sister Ruth (Dale) Woodard.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Marie (Paul) Stahl.
Memorials may be written to Trinity Lutheran High School, Zion Lutheran Church, or charity of choice, in care of Voss & Sons Funeral Service.
Online condolences may be given on the funeral home website at www.vossfuneralservice.com.