Gertrude R. Franke

Gertrude R. Franke 86, 833 Ross Avenue, Wausau, died Sunday, July 24, 2005 at her home. She was born June 16, 1919 in the town of Honey Creek, daughter of the late John and Sophina (Alwin) Huber. She married Walter Franke in Wausau. He preceded her in death on March 18, 1985. Gertrude worked at Winkelmans Department Store in Wausau for many years and also as a cook at Wausau East High School. With the rest of her time she spent countless hours volunteering at the Neighbors Place, Salvation Army and the Wausau Hospital gift shop. She was also active at the YMCA with water aerobics class but always found time to enjoy some knitting, quilting and crafting. Gertrude was also an active member of St. Michael Catholic Church where she belonged to the Parish Council of Catholic Women, Circle of Joy, Social Action Committee and the Rosary Confraternity. Survivors include her daughter, Lois (Glenn) Karpinske, East Dubuque, Ill, one grandson, Kevin (Connie) Karpinske, Lake of the Hills, Ill, one great grandson, Mason Karpinske, one great granddaughter, Brooke Karpinske, one sister, Catherine Gasper, Sun City, Ariz, one brother, Lawrence (Lola) Huber, North Freedom. Gertrude is further survived by two brothers-in-law, Donald Franke, Marathon and LaVerne (Ruth) Franke, Marathon, three sisters-in-law, Eileen Franke, Marathon, Alvina Henrichs, Merrill and Adrien Franke, Milwaukee, along with many nieces and nephews. Besides her husband Gertrude was preceded in death by one grandson, Kirk Karpinske and one sister, Marie Wolf. The funeral mass will be celebrated 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 27, 2005 at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau. The Rev. William Grevatch will preside. Entombment will be in Memorial Chapel Mausoleum, Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Friends may call on Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. until the time of services at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com