Russell "Russ" Franke

Russell “Russ” Franke passed away on January 20, 2024, at his home after a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 54.

Russ was born on April 25, 1969. He grew up in Creston, Iowa, and worked at DYMA for 30 years.

He enjoyed camping at Morris Park in Stockport, Iowa. He liked going to watch dirt track racing and attending events at The Old Threshers Reunion especially to see the steam tractors and engines. He was known to be a jokester and a fun guy to be around.

Russ is survived by his significant other, Deb Sharpe; mother, Dorothy Franke; sister, Susan Franke; favorite “bro”, Don (Jane) Gordan; brothers-in-law, Larry (Tami) Miller and Tom (Mary) Miller; step-daughter, Donna (James) Taylor; special nieces and nephews, Steven (Jim) Gordan-Sutton, Darien Gordan, Rob (Jeannie) Walter, Stephanie (Gary) Harding, Tiffanie (Troy) Baker, Anthony Walter, Michael Walter, Joe Walter, Natalie Keim, and Clara Keim; and a host of other family members and beloved friends.

He is preceded in death by his father, Wayne Franke; sister, Sharon Franke; brother, Eddy Franke; and mother-in-law, Jean Miller.

The family will greet friends on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. A funeral service will follow at 12:00 p.m. also at the funeral home. Russell will be laid to rest at Elkhart Cemetery in Elkhart, Iowa.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Russ.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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