Alan "Al" M. Franke, age 76 of Beaver Dam, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, March 25, 2012 at his home.

Al was born on February 25, 1936 in Beaver Dam, WI to Melbert and Lillian (nee Haas) Franke. He graduated from Beaver Dam High School in 1954 and proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1954-1957 during the Korean War. Al worked at MetalFab for over 30 years, followed by working part-time for the Department of Public Works for the City of Beaver Dam. He was married to Pauline Dins, and together they were blessed with two children, Bruce and Guy. On December 30, 1978, he was united in marriage to Renee Selk at First Ev. Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam and they were blessed with a daughter Jaime.

Al treasured spending time with his family. He was a wonderful dad and grandpa. In his earlier years, he enjoyed coaching softball and was the commissioner of little league baseball in Beaver Dam. He was an avid Brewers and Packers fan. His hobbies included woodworking, model trains and airplanes and playing cards, especially Hearts. He was proud to be a Marine and was a member of John E. Miller American Legion Post 146.

Alan is survived by his wife, Renee of Beaver Dam; his children, Bruce (Michelle) Franke of Beaver Dam and Jaime Franke of Madison; his step-children, Anne (Daniel) Pearson of Beaver Dam, Amy (David) Breckheimer of Sherwood, WI and David "Woody" Jenkins of Randolph; his grandchildren, Brandon Franke, Sarah (Jeff) Errthum, Ben (Lindsey) Franke, Angie Franke, Christopher (Nicole) Pearson, Craig (Seval) Breckheimer, Brianne (Aaron) Sable, Kayla Breckheimer, Stephanie Breckheimer, Troy Breckheimer, Briar Jenkins and Jayrd Jenkins; 5 great-grandchildren and another due in August; his siblings, Janice Loy, Christine Franke, Duane "Hans" (Nancy) Franke and Jerry (Lelani) Franke, all of Beaver Dam. He is further survived by his first wife, Pauline of Beaver Dam, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Charlene Ganske; his son, Guy Franke; his step-son, Norm Jenkins and other relatives.

A Memorial Gathering for Al will take place on Friday, March 30, 2012 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Service, 135 Keller Blvd. in Beaver Dam. Private family inurnment will take place at Oakwood Cemetery with graveside military honors provided by John E. Miller American Legion Post #146 of Beaver Dam.

Memorials in Alan's name may be directed to Hillside Hospice, 707 S. University Ave., Beaver Dam, WI 53916 or Luekemia & Lymphoma Society, PO Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Beaver Dam is honored to be serving the family.