Robert C. Franke

Robert Charles Franke of O'Fallon, Mo. passed away on July 23, 2020 at the age of 100. Beloved husband of the late Ruth A. Franke; cherished son of the late Herman and Anna Franke; devoted father of Debbie (Paul Addotta) Franke and Sandra Oldfield; loving grandfather of Kevin Oldfield and Stephanie (Rusty) Hanna; great grandfather of McKenzie and Maven Hanna. Robert is survived by many nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Robert is preceded in death by his siblings, Herb Franke, Esther Griffith and Anna Mae Calloway.

Robert spent his early years on the family farm in Louisiana, Mo. He proudly and honorably served in the United States Army Air Corps during WWII. He was a 79 year member of the Carpenters Union, Local 5 & Local 97 in St. Louis.  He was a carpenter extraordinaire who built and remodeled homes for his family. He supervised projects during his long career at several construction companies. He was a part time farmer after his retirement and dearly loved his cows. He was a friendly "nice guy" who loved his family, enjoyed staying busy and was always willing to help others with projects. You made it to 100 Dad and we will miss you.

Robert was a loving and supportive father figure to his grandchildren, Kevin and Stephanie.

"Grandpa use to always smile when talking about his Grandfather Brodbeck from Illinois. They would work on his orchard down by the river. I think that is why we were so fortunate to have experienced so many things together. He always made time for me and called me his Buddy. With my Buddy, I caught my first fish, drove my first truck, shot a gun for the first time, backed up a trailer, used a chainsaw, drank my first beer, ran a tiller, planted a garden, fixed a water gap, stacked many hay bales, hunted quail, hammered many a nail, set up scaffolding, sharpened knives, field dressed a deer or two, used a block and tackle and a come-along, operated a tractor, ice skated, built a deck, hunted pheasants and so much more. My favorite thing was just having dinner with Grandma and Grandpa. You will always be with me."

Love You, Your Buddy Kevin

The service will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Missouri Department of Conservation.