Allen "Toby" G. Franke

Allen "Toby" Franke, age 88, passed away on April 25, 2025, at Door County Medical Center in Sturgeon Bay.

Toby was born in Sturgeon Bay, WI to Alfred and Margaret (Shine) Franke on May 11, 1936. He attended Gibraltar High School and graduated with the class of 1954. Toby would enlist in the U.S. Army in 1955 and after two years of service was honorably discharged in 1957. Toby married Emelie Tweeten on June 21, 1958, in Whitehall, WI. Toby and Emelie remained in Door County and raised two sons.

He was a dairy farmer with his father and then became a plumber for Reinhard Plumbing for many years before establishing his own business, Toby's Plumbing Service, until retirement. He was a skilled craftsman who took pride in his ability to fix things. His diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease eventually took that away from him. He and Emelie enjoyed traveling to Alaska, Hawaii, Arkansas, Scandinavia, Mexico and many other places. He loved fixing things, fishing, gardening, photography, making 4th of July parade floats, carpentry, stained glass work, square dancing and cross-country skiing. He adored his grandchildren and always looked forward to their visits.

Toby was a dedicated employee and a focused and driven business owner. He was well known in the community, having built lasting relationships with customers, members of his Church, friends, and neighbors. Toby had an infectious smile, a great sense of humor, and an engaging personality that naturally drew people to him. He intently listened to others' stories and tales then, in turn, didn't miss the opportunity to proudly share stories of the gains and successes of his children and grandchildren whenever he had the opportunity. He was a proud family man and a humble servant of the Lord.

Toby is survived by his wife, Emelie, with whom he shared over 66 years of marriage; they raised two sons, Randy of Fish Creek, and Michael (Karen) of Maplewood, MN; grandchildren, Christopher Franke, Elizabeth Franke and Katie Parent; and sister, Joanne (William) Brungraber.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

The Memorial Service for Toby Franke will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 7973 Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor, with Pastor Gary Scharrig officiating. A private family burial will be at Blossomburg Cemetery, Fish Creek.

A visitation for family and friends will be held Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given to Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Casperson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, LLC in Sister Bay, Wisconsin is assisting the Franke family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Toby may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.CaspersonFuneralHome.com.

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