William "Bill" Joseph Franke

Bill was born March 19, 1953, in Springfield, IL, the son of Robert and Dorothy (Alewelt) Franke. He married Loretta Jane Elliott on April 1, 1974, in Springfield, IL; she preceded him in death on June 7, 2021.

Bill was a 1971 graduate of Griffin High School. He had a long career with the Illinois Secretary of State as a painter and early on as a flagman, bravely climbing to the top of the Capitol building to change the flag. After retiring, he stayed active subbing as a custodian through Ball Chatham School District. Bill was incredibly humble and had an easy way of making conversation with anyone. He appreciated the simple things, was never in a rush and always arrived early. He was a proud Chatham Jaycee and part of the “Engine Room” crew at the annual Chatham Sweetcorn Festival. He coached the “SASA Kicks” soccer team and volunteered alongside his wife for the Special Olympics. Bill was an avid newspaper reader and dedicated fan of Notre Dame football and the Chicago Bears. He loved Glenwood Soccer and could always be spotted under the scoreboard at home games. His greatest joy came from time spent with his family and many lifelong friends. He had a special connection with his grandkids, always making them laugh and often dropping off crockpots of his famous “Grandpa’s Spaghetti”.

He was also preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Susan Perks.

Bill is survived by his sons, Kyle (Emily) Franke and Nick (companion, Emily Keen) Franke, both of Chatham; grandchildren, Paxton, Alaina, Lyla, Payton, Jax, and Symon; siblings, Melinda (Jim) Orum, Ellen Looker, and Tim (Kathy) Franke, all of Springfield and Tom (Sandy) Franke of Chatham; brother-in-law, George Perks; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at Butler Funeral Home-Chatham, 8855 State Route 4, Chatham, IL.

Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at Chatham Memorial Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Titan Fuel, Chatham School District, P.O. Box 296, Chatham, IL 62629.