William Keliher "Bill" Franke

Deprecated: trim(): Passing null to parameter #1 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /home/ruebel/public_html/obits/obituaries.php on line 271
Mar 12th, 2017

Deprecated

/home/ruebel/public_html/obits/obituaries.php

279

Death Date: Mar 12, 2017

Deprecated

/home/ruebel/public_html/obits/obituaries.php

285

Deprecated

/home/ruebel/public_html/obits/obituaries.php

302

Save: Print this Obituary

Biography: William Keliher Franke, "Bill", passed away on March 12, 2017. His loss will be felt deep in the community, as he was a well-respected and well-liked restaurateur, friend, and family man. Bill was born on April 30, 1949 in Little Rock and spent the majority of his life serving 'Arkansas Food to Arkansas People' at his family business, Franke's Cafeteria. He was know for his strong presence and was the definition of honor and integrity. He was a very charitable man and served as President of the Restaurant Association and Chairman of the Arkansas Hospitality Association, which inducted him into its Hall of Fame. He was the recipient of many awards including the Kaleidoscope Award and the Salut Au Restauranteur, top honors among state restaurant operators. He was a founding board member of Potluck-Food Rescue, which feeds hundreds of local needy people. A man of many hobbies, he loved most what nature had to offer- Astronomy, hunting, fishing,cooking, and riding motorcycles were among his favorites. He was a beloved Grandfather, "Papa Bud", to Andrew and Katelyn and enjoyed sharing his hobbies with them. His two daughters, Kathryn Franke Kitchens and the late Christen Franke, adored and admired him, and looked at him the way every daughter should see their Father. He and his Son-In-Law, Kevin Kitchens, had a very special relationship as two avid outdoorsman. He and his beloved wife of 38 years, Carolyn Cazort Franke, shared a lifetime of happiness and memories that will live on forever. He will be greatly missed by his sibling Barbara, Chris, Bob Franke, and Carol Horner. As well as many other friends and family. As we let go of him here on Earth, we know he was embraced by his daughter Christen, and no doubt it was a beautiful reunion. A celebration of Bill's life will be held on March 16 at 11:00 at St. James United Methodist Church 321 Pleasant Valley Drive. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Potluck-Food Rescue PO Box 251558 LR 72205.

Condolences(36)

Bob Franke

#36

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Miss you brother.

Jim, James & Audrey Stanley

#35

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

We have long adored going to Franke's. Our lad is remembered by the staff as a toddler in a rolling-high-chair and now, he is old enough he picks up the tab. Over the years, we ate more meals at the Franke table than we did with any of our own family - and therefore, the Franke family and employees became endeared. Our son even developed an interest in astronomy because of Bill pointing out the special light display he included in the Cafeteria's ceiling. May the love of all who care about the Frankes, provide solace and may GOD above, bless you with understanding and peace in your hearts.

Vicki and Karrol Fowlkes

#34

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Carolyn- just so saddened by all of this. A great father- daughter reunion! Prayers!

Richards Honda Yamaha

#33

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

We are so sorry for your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

The staff at Richards Honda Yamaha

The Laster family (Stacy)

#32

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Our condolences for the entire Franke family and may you all find strength and comfort in the wonderful memories you share.

Judy Bunten

#31

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

May God bless and comfort the Franke family during this most difficult time.
I was fortunate to have known this blessed family during our young years at Holy Souls School. Carol and I were classmates.
My thoughts and prayers for comfort and peace extend to all family members. I am so very sorry for your loss.
May you Rest in Peace, Bill.

Robert & Darlene Hammermeister

#30

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

The loss of a loved one is never easy. He is in God's hands now and take solace in him looking down from heaven and watching over your family.

Joe and Kathy Keary

#29

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Heaven has received one of the best. Prayers for Bill's family.

Don Phelan

#28

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Bill was one of a kind. You never had to guess what he was thinking. I was fortunate to call him my friend. God bless you all!

Kelley Vogelgesang

#27

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I'm sorry to hear of this terrible loss so soon after Christen... it must have been a beautiful reunion, indeed.

Dr. and Mrs. Bill Hayden

#26

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Our sympathies and thoughts go to the entire Franke Family. We will miss him

Judy and Jose Ramirez

#25

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

To Chris, Bob and the entire Franke Family - So sorry for your loss. May good memories be with you forever and close to your heart. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Much love to all of you

Mary Howell Pauley

#24

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Prayers for peace and comfort during this extremely difficult time to all the Franke family.

Family Home of Little Rock

#23

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Our deepest condolences to Carolyn and all the family. You are in all of our thoughts and prayers.

The Board of Directors of the Family Home of Little Rock

#22

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Carolyn and family, sending prayers and love to you all at this trying time. Jimbo and I reminisced about meeting you and Bill and the Girls in the keys so many many years ago. May your wonderful memories help to heal you hearts at this time.

Ann Honeycutt

#21

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

The Honeycutt family extends our deepest condolences to Miss Carolyn and Miss Kathryn. The Frankes hired our mother, Sue Honeycutt, as a beverage hostess until her retirement due to Alzheimer's disease. Their kindness, compassion and support of Mother will forever endear them to our family. I currently work in the old Franke's bakery building on West Third Street, and think of the Frankes daily. May Mr. Bill rest in peace.

Vona Bidwell Thompson

#20

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

So very sorry for your loss. I will remember the family in my prayers. I was a classmate of Barbara Franke and knew that family. Remembering the Franke's on 5th downtown and then the one on Rodney Parham, knowing it was family run and the food was homey.

Carroll walls

#19

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Sorry for the lost of a next door neighbor, funny man, and motorcyclist. Always enjoy my visits with Bill or seeing him up on petti jean mountain on his motorcycle. I remembered his steps on sizes of bikes from moped to gold wing. I believe it had a lot to do if Carolyn would allow him to get a bigger bike. Funny seeing big man on moped at first. Sorry for lost of 2 great people in same family in less than year. Prayers and love to the Franke family.

Pauine Christakos

#18

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

My sincerest condolences to the entire Franke family. Our nephew was Christen's fianc? and the pain of losing a daughter and then a spouse and father shortly after is unimaginable. May their memory be eternal.

Van and Pauline Christakos

Paul Garner

#17

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Thoughts an prayers to the Family, all that new Bill was blessed. His smile and friendship will be with me the rest of my life.

God Bless

Mary Bentley

#16

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

My deepest sympathy to the Franke family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all, and special thoughts to Carol Franke Horner, with whom I went to school.
Mary Martin Bentley
Austin, TX

Bob Cooper

#15

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Classmate at Holy Souls and always one of the really great guys. Prayers for his family...

Nancy Dolan

#14

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Please accept my most sincere condolences in Mr. Franke's passing. I have been a life long customer of the restaurant & Mr. Franke was a customer of ours as well. He will be greatly missed.

Robert Bumpas

#13

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

It was always such a pleasure to happen upon Bill when in line at the restaurant for all these many years.I just am at a loss for words over his loss.

Chris Hill

#12

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

My prayers will be for the Franke family in this time of sorrow.

Dave Case

#11

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

A long time friend and customer Bill was amazing
with his contributions to the Arkansas Food Service community.

May he rest in peace!

Mary Lou Davenport

#10

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Caroly, I am so very sorry to hear about Bill. He (and you) are special friends and I especially enjoyed working with him through AHA.

Jack Dallas

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I've been acquainted with the Frankie family for many years and I know he will be missed.

Donna Faulkner

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Carolyn Franke and family:

So sorry to hear of the passing of Bill. He will be really missed along with Kristen. May God put his comforting arms around you and your family and feel the peace that God will provide you. My dad (Dick Rideout) always loved to see you, Kristen and Bill when he came to Franke's. My dad always asked about Kristen too.

Sympathy and Prayer,
Donna Rideout Faulkner

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

James Hamric

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

So sorry to hear about Bill passing, he was a great guy. I knew him from high school.

Jay and Lisa Bruno

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Carolyn and Kathryn and your family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Keith de Noble

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Bill's loss is unfortunate. He was a true friend, fine businessman, and super husband, and father. He will be missed, and remembered fondly. The de Noble family extends our prayers and thoughts. God Bless all of you.

Linda Kaiser

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Sending my thoughts & prayers to the family. Bill will be missed by MANY! May he rest in eternal peace.

Loyda Sandoval

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

My deepest condolences to Miss Carolyn and the Franke family

Elizabeth Patterson

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

To all family members: I am so sorry to read this. Please know that my heart and prayers go out to all of you. Downham