Robert "Bob" R. Franske

“Not every successful man is a good father. But every good father is a successful man.”

- (Robert Duvall)

Robert “Bob” Franske passed away on October 7, 2024 at the age of 78, in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin.

Born in Milwaukee and having served the US Army, Bob relocated his family to the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan, where he raised his son, Bobby. To his son, he was larger than life, a hero in every way. He coached little league teams, scored bowling games and always took time to throw the ball around, or watch a Packers game together.

At home, he taught how to cook, make a bed, and care for a home. One of his favorite sayings was, “it’s easier to keep it clean than it is to get it clean”. He sought to improve the spaces he shared. Each home improvement project offered a chance to pass along wisdom and know-how. He built decks, gardens, fences, and more. And, as he did, he involved his son to ensure he passed on these important life skills.

He was a sales guy in profession, but also in disposition. He always had something to offer, whether a quick quip or a passing conversation with everyone he interacted with - friends, servers or those at the supermarket checkout.

Nobody ever went hungry around Bob. “It’s better to pay the butcher than to pay the doctor” was a favorite life message he passed on from his grandfather. He cooked with love and carried on long-held German family recipes like bierocks and stroganoff (the “good stuff”), but also cultivated new recipes like JoAnne’s scratch-made spaghetti sauce, from good friends he met along the way. Probably a by-product of helping his mother with her catering work, he always made enough to feed many mouths as every one of his recipes could pack a fridge.

If it wasn’t over a hearty meal, sitting and sharing time in conversation was Bob’s other favorite past time. Whether it be a few games of backgammon, euchre, or sheepshead, Bob was always up for sharing some good-natured ribbing over a game or two.

As “Papa Bob,” he leaned into the experiences and accomplishments of his family and friends. He especially cherished his time with his oldest granddaughter, Alexus, whom he taught to cook, drive, and check out books at the library. He was her safe space; a person who provided comfort in times of need, and always encouraged her to go after the things she wanted in life. He exuded warmth and comfort. He loved driving around town to look at Christmas lights during the holidays. And loved watching movies after Wednesday night dinners; old westerns were some of his favorites.

Throughout his battle with escalating medical issues in recent years, he retained his sense of humor, and despite the pain, everyone who worked with him shared heart-felt appreciation for having had the opportunity to know him.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Emma Franske, stepfather, Chuck, father, Robert Kotke, his grandparents, Reinhardt and Amalia Herbel as well as many great friends.

Papa Bob is survived by his son, Robert (Kristy), his grandchildren, Alexus (Jose), Violet, Phoebe, Estelle and Samson. He will be missed by his sisters, Kathy (Eddie) and Jackie (Bruce) his brother, Tommy (Vicki), and a long list of cousins, nieces and nephews.