William C. Franko

William (Bill) Franko, a longtime resident of Dearborn MI, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 3, 2018, in his home in Heritage Palms Golf and Country Club in Fort Myers, Florida. He was born on March 30, 1931, in Washington PA, to Albert Franko and Anna Petros. Bill married the love of his life, Geraldine (Geri - but always “Tiger” to him) Wesley, of Detroit MI, on October 23, 1954. Ever the gentleman, Geri had been dating his friend, and Bill asked for his blessing first. That date would begin their life together for 63-plus treasured years. When asked if he would ever change anything, he always replied “I would have married her sooner.” Bill and Geri were blessed with three wonderful daughters: Debbie (Danny Kaloupek) Franko of Newton MA, Cindy Franko and Shari (Jeff Lucyk) Franko. Bill spent his career at Ford Motor Company and went on "permanent vacation" in 1992 after 42 years. After retirement, Bill and Geri split their time between Michigan and Florida, living the good life and making many friends. In his Florida neighborhood, Bill became known as ‘the guy who could fix anything.” Bill was an avid golfer. When he wasn’t with family, fixing things, or at Ford, you would likely find him on the golf course. Bill had a terrific sense of humor. At one time, he sought a career as a comedian. He instead found lifelong reward in bringing laughter to everyone around him, including participants of the Komen Detroit Race for the Cure, where he volunteered for 22 years. His smile was infectious and lit up every room he entered. In addition to Geri and his children Debbie and Shari, Bill's love continues in life through his grandchildren, Jennifer (Dan) Pajot, Ben Franko Kaloupek, Emma Franko Kaloupek, great grandson Tiernan William Pajot, his sister Betty, of Charlotte NC, his brother Jerry of Buffalo NY, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Cindy, his brothers Edward and Albert and sister Joyce. When faced with his final challenge, Bill never complained or felt sorry for himself. When the nurse affixed his DNR bracelet, he said “thank you” with boyish charm. He expressed gratitude every day and in every situation. He prayed every night - his faith in God sustained him. He stayed positive and hopeful always. In his last few weeks on earth, his love Geri, never left his side. He and his family were grateful for every extra day and together thanked God for a lifetime of blessings. His final days were at home, surrounded by loved ones. Visitation will be at Vermuelen-Sajewski Funeral Home, 980 N. Newburgh Rd. in Westland, Michigan on Thursday, March 15, 2:00-9:00 pm and on Friday, March 16, 12:00-9:00 pm. Rosary on Friday at 4:00 PM. In state at 9:30 AM until the 10:00 AM funeral mass at St. Kenneth Catholic Church, 14951 N. Haggerty Rd, Plymouth, MI 48170. Memorial tributes may be made to the family and will be distributed to Hope Hospice and to Komen Detroit Race for the Cure. But if you want to truly memorialize Bill, take a friend or family member out to lunch or go play some golf. Eat a tootsie roll or two. Laugh out loud, smile a lot, make someone’s day. Tell a joke and stories that are mostly true. Then pick up the tab. Bill would.

William C. Franko

March 30, 1931 - March 3, 2018