In Memory of Paul Franke ’51
Devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Paul Gerhardt Franke ’51 of Menasha, Wisconsin, passed away at age 95 on December 13, 2024, in Appleton, after a long time with declining health.
Mr. Franke was born on July 25, 1929, in Manitowoc, WI, the only child of Gerhardt H. Franke and Olivia W. (Geisler) Franke. He was baptized and confirmed at the First German Evangelical Lutheran Church in Manitowoc. At age 12, he started working part-time at Huchthausen Hardware. He had a high mechanical aptitude and curiosity. This was demonstrated when, as a youth, he took apart the family washing machine and successfully reassembled it. On April 30, 1942, Paul left school early to watch the launching of the USS Peto — the first of 28 WWII submarines built in Manitowoc.
Paul graduated from Manitowoc Lincoln High School in June of 1947 and earned a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. On June 15, 1951, Paul and his future wife, his neighbor and high school sweetheart, Laverne E. Metzger, graduated from UW– Madison. On June 16, 1951, they were married at the First Reformed Church of Manitowoc. On June 17, 1951, the couple started their drive to Burbank, California where Paul was employed at Lockheed Aircraft Corporation. Sons Jeff and David were born in California. In 1954, the young family moved to Neenah, when Paul started a very successful nearly 40-year career with Kimberly-Clark Corporation. Daughter Kay was born in Wisconsin. In 1958, the family was transferred to New Milford, Connecticut where son Mark was born. In 1964, the family moved back to Neenah. In 1978, Paul and Laverne moved into their dream house on Doty Island along the Fox River in Menasha.
Paul was extremely devoted to both his career and family. At Lockheed, he helped design portions of the C-130 Hercules aircraft and worked on design projects for several military “Skunk Works” aircraft. He was a gifted machine designer and well-respected engineering project/technical leader at Kimberly-Clark, earning several U.S. patents. Paul designed and developed innovative machines or machine sections in the Household products, Non-wovens, and Feminine Care business areas. Examples include facial tissue folding improvements, disposable non-woven hospital gown sleeve-making apparatus, SRM and Lightdays® machines. Hardworking and skilled, he was eager to help his family with any repair or project involving houses, cars, and boats.
Paul was proud of his German heritage, enjoyed listening to Elvis music, and had many good friendships. He also took pleasure in driving several Cadillacs, playing with Bowser, the family dog , motorboating, sailing, and attending Badger football games. Most of all, he and Laverne traveled extensively including trips to China and the Panama Canal. Each grandchild, around age 12, received a special cruise trip. Three generations of Frankes were treated to the couple’s 50th wedding anniversary celebration cruise in 2001. Cancun was a favorite vacation destination for Paul and Laverne.
In his later years, Paul had several significant health issues but was lovingly cared for by wife Laverne who was joined in his care, in recent times, by son David. Remarkably, he lived at home until December 6, 2024. Paul, faithful in Jesus until the very end, had an abundant life.
Survivors include his wife of 73 years, Laverne; four children — Jeff (Vicki) of Portage, Wisconsin, David, Kay (special friend Alan), and Mark (Maripat) all of Neenah; eight grandchildren – Jessica Franke, Jennifer Franke, Maranda (Charles) Tomlinson, Matthew (Sarah) Franke, Jacob (Natalie) Franke, Marissa Franke, Mareena (Bill) Breining, and Trisha Franke; three great-grandchildren – James and Jayla Dyste, and Benjamin Tomlinson.
Preceding Paul in death were three brothers-in-law and three sisters-in-law on the Metzger side, and many Franke and Geisler cousins.
