Eileen Franke

Eileen A. Franke, 91, Marathon, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 2, 2022, at Copperleaf Assisted Living, Marathon, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.

She was born September 21, 1930, daughter of the late Herbert and Edna (Andreas) Wolfgram. On October 16, 1948, she married Gilbert Franke at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon. He preceded her in death on October 27, 1987.

Eileen worked at Marathon Cheese Corp. for many years until her retirement. She continued working at several places in the Marathon area until age 83. Eileen was a 70 year member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post No. 469, Marathon. For many years, she served her community on the Marathon Village Board.

Among her favorite pastimes, she enjoyed traveling, crafting and was an excellent seamstress. She loved baking and cooking and made extraordinary feasts over the years.

She overflowed with love for her family and friends. Survivors include two daughters: Theresa “Teri” (Michael) Bullington, Oregon, WI and Deborah Packard, Madison; daughter-in-law, Marilyn (Schmidt) Franke, Edgar; two grandsons: Gerrid (Sadie) Franke, Athens and Shannon Bullington, Parker, Colo.; two great-grandsons: Galen and Elliot Franke; one sister, Ruth Kurth, Wausau; one brother, Roger (Shirley) Wolfgram, Wausau; one sister-in-law, Ruth Franke, Wausau; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Besides her parents and husband, Gilbert, she was preceded in death by her son, Michael; her son-in-law, Jim Packard; and three siblings: Donna Elliott and Dale (Peggy) and Howard Wolfgram.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12 noon on Friday, June 17, 2022, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon. Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church.

The family would like to thank the caring and supportive staff at Copperleaf in Marathon along with the staff at Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.

Memorials may be directed to Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services, C/O Aspirus Health Foundation, 425 Pine Ridge Boulevard, Wausau, WI 54401 and St. Mary Catholic Church, P.O. Box 7, Marathon, WI 54448.

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

Paid obituary 122033