Franke

Orville Herman Franke, 92, of rural Litchfield, Ill., died at his residence on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2022. He was born Nov. 18, 1929, in rural Litchfield to Herman Arno and Clara Marie (Boehme) Franke. He married Bernean Ida Bentlage on June 12, 1955, in New Douglas. She preceded him in death on July 10, 2022.

He was a farmer. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army after having served during Korea. Orville was a member of the 4-H growing up. He was a golden glove boxer heavyweight division. Orville was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church where he was a board member and a choir member. He taught Bible classes, Bethel Series. He served on the Macoupin Co. Farm Bureau board. He enjoyed gardening, pinochle and telling stories.

Orville is survived by his children, De Ann (David) Park of Fuquay-Varina, N.C., Carl (Sandy) Franke of Jamestown, N.D., Jenean Galvan of Des Moines, Iowa, Glen (Shelle) Franke of Hoopeston, Ill., Mary (Brad) Weidner of Bunker Hill, Ill., Sara (Matt) Harbaugh of Oak Harbor, Wash .; grandchildren, Ben (Jennifer) Park, Neil Park (significant other, Victoria Gates), Kurt (Tara) Franke, Scott (Sam) Franke, Jay (Shelby) Franke, Zachary Simmons, Marc Simmons, Andrew (Katy) Franke, Kelsey (Justin) Halikias, Will Franke, Megan (Trevor) Hebert, Steven Weidner, Matthew Weidner, Mariah Harbaugh, Sadie Harbaugh; four great-grandchildren; and sister, Geneva Armour of Carlinville. In addition to his parents and wife, Orville was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Ron Galvan; sister, Orlean Hosto; and brothers-in-law, Gilbert Hosto and Wendell Armour.

Funeral services were held Monday, Oct. 24, at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Gillespie. Burial was at Elm Lawn Cemetery in Litchfield.

Memorials are suggested to Partnership For Educational Excellence District 7, Gillespie, Benld Area Ambulance Service, or Gillespie Chapter FFA. Condolences may be left online at http://www.kravanyafuneral.com. Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie was in charge of arrangements.