Bellville Times

Funeral services for Max C. Franke, Jr., 85, of Industry were held at 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14 at the Industry United Methodist Church with Reverend Patricia Newcomer officiating.

Interment followed in the church cemetery. Visitation was held at 2 p.m. Friday at the Zaskoda Chapel in Industry where the family received friends at 6:30 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Mr. Franke was in state at the church at 3 p.m. until service time on
Saturday.

Mr. Franke was born May 2, 1918, in New Ulm, to Max Franke, Sr. and Emma Bollmann Franke. He was baptized and confirmed at the Industry United Methodist Church where he remained a member until his death. Max and all four of his brothers served their country during World War II.

He served in the U.S. Army, primarily in the Pacific Theatre from 1942 until 1945. It was rare for five brothers to serve in the U.S. Military at the same time and on one occasion, he and his brother, Roy, accidentally met in the Philippines.

On Dec. 8, 1949, he married Mildred Mary Eckermann at the Industry United Methodist Church. While the Lord did not bless the couple with children, Max and Mildred shared their love of children by entertaining them at family gatherings and special occasions. On Halloween and birthdays, Max would take the children for a ride in his pasture on the back of his pick-up truck. He even had a special place in his pasture for old license plates and cattle skulls which he enjoyed showing to the children.

Mr. Franke worked for the Old Famerıs Co-op in Industry for fourteen years and then was employed at Brenham Wholesale for 26 years until his retirement. After retirement, Max and Mildred continued living on the ³old home place² where he spent many hours caring for his cattle and dogs. He also enjoyed gathering pecans at the farm, playing dominos on Saturday afternoons and fishing.

Mr. Franke passed away Thursday morning, Feb. 12, 2004, in the Brenham Rest Home at the age of 85 years, 9 months and 10 days.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife on July 19, 1990; brothers, Milton and Wilburn Franke; infant sister, Roxie Frankie and sister, Maynola Mueller.

Survivors include two brothers, Roy Franke of Pampa and Ralph Franke of
Killeen; one sister, Beatrice Hufstetler of Bay City and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to the Industry United Methodist Church.

Pallbearers were Michael (Mike) Mueller, Robert W. Mueller, Harold G. Mueller, Ray Hallford, Eugene (Bert) Hall, Eddie Eckermann, Dana Eckermann.

Funeral arrangements by Koenig & Strickland in La Grange.

Posted by Joy Neely