Leonard N. Francke Jr.

Leonard N. Francke Jr. Saginaw, Michigan Well known area musician passed away Tuesday, December 31, 2013, at Covenant-Michigan. Age 92 years. The son of Marion (Hawkins) and Leonard N. Francke Sr. was born October 24, 1921 in Saginaw, Michigan. He married Angeline Kulak, January 17, 1948. She passed away December 15, 1997. Leonard served as First Lieutenant with the U. S. Army in Okinawa during WWII receiving the Purple Heart. He attended Michigan State University where he was a member of their Marching Band. Following college, he formed his own big band, performing through-out the mid-west and south. He played cornet with the Saginaw Eddy Band for many years and was active with and served as an officer in the local Musician's Union. He also had his own small bands performing at many area functions and with other musicians. Leonard was employed by Grant Grocers for many years and then by Second National Bank (Citizens-First Merritt). He was a 75 year active member or Warren Ave Presbyterian Church; a longtime member of the Germania and an avid bowler and golfer. Surviving are a daughter and her friend, Barbara Bird and Kirk Redburn; a son and daughter-in-law, Leonard (Chip) N. Francke III. and Julie; a brother, Chester Francke; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son-in-law, James Bird, two sisters and a brother, Helene Fritz, Marion Quesnel and G. Stewart Francke. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 11, 2014, at the W. L. Case and Co. Funeral Chapel, 4480 Mackinaw Rd. Rev. Douglas Leffler will officiate with Military honors under the auspices of V.F.W. Post #1859. Friends may call at the Chapel from 9:30 a.m. Saturday unit the time of the memorial service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider Warren Ave. Presbyterian Church. www.casefuneralhome.com

Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Company Mackinaw Funeral Chapel
4480 Mackinaw Road
Saginaw, MI
US 48603