Laverne A. Franke

LaVerne A. Franke 91, Marathon, died Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at Mount View Care Center, Wausau. He was born January 20, 1917 in Marathon, son of the late Gustave and Catherine (Volhard) Franke. On April 28, 1951, he married Ruth Wagner at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon. She survives. LaVerne was a veteran of the United States Army serving as Sergeant from 1941-1945. He served in the European Theater and was a veteran of the Battle of the Bulge. LaVerne was an Assistant Brew Master for the former Marathon City Brewing Company and later worked for Wausau Homes until his retirement. Among his many interests, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time at the cabin in Lincoln County. He was a former Trustee for the Marathon City Board and a charter member of the American Legion Alois Dreikosen Post #469, Marathon. Survivors include, his wife, Ruth Franke, Marathon; three sons, LaVerne (Linda) Franke, Wausau, David (Lorrie) Franke, New London and Scott (Mary) Franke, Marathon; five grandchildren, Stephen, Nicole, Thomas, Mitchell and Nathan Franke; two step-grandchildren, Jennifer (Rick) Towne and Chris (Jill) Fochs; two step-great grandchildren, Colin Towne and Allison Fochs; one sister, Alvina Henrichs, Wausau; one brother, Donald Franke, Marathon; and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by five brothers, Gregory, Gustave, Walter, Gilbert and Harvey Franke; and three sisters, Esther Skofronick, Alta Franke and Lorraine Franke. The funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 17, 2008 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon. Rev. Joseph Diermeier will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery, with full military honors conducted by the American Legion Post #469, Marathon. Friends may call Friday from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon and again on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. There will be an American Legion Post #469 service at 6:30 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Mount View Care Center, Wausau for all the care, friendship and support given to LaVerne and his family. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com