Roger Wayne Franke

Roger Wayne Franke, 85, of Davenport, Iowa, passed away on August 12, 2025. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Weerts Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest at the Rock Island National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the FRIENDS of the Davenport Public Library.

Roger was born on March 24,1940 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin to parents Milton and Eleanor Franke. He got his bachelor’s degree from West Point Academy and his master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Southern California. In California, he met his wife, Ann McCurdy. They were married in New Orleans on June 15, 1971. The two of them spent 54 loving years together, raising their family in Davenport.

Roger served in the Army for 21 years, including two tours of duty in Vietnam. He was stationed in numerous places in the US and overseas and received numerous medals and commendations. After the military, he worked in banking. Roger was a Ham Radio operator, and in his free time would volunteer with the Amateur Relay Radio League. He also volunteered with Tax Aid, loved photography, bird watching, and spending time in his garden.

Roger is survived by his wife, Ann Franke; his children, Greg (Tricia) Franke and Mindy (Bill) Zumdome; his grandchildren, Carlie (Caleb) Johnson, Sean Holland, Claire Franke, Ryan Zumdome, Grace Franke, and Ashley Zumdome; his brother, Dick Franke; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Eleanor Franke, and his brother, Bob Franke.