Donald K. “Shorty” Franke
MILLERSBURG • Donald K. “Shorty” Franke, 87, died June 24 at Premier at Susquehanna. Donald was born July 11, 1932, in Millersburg, Pa., to the late Harry K. “Jim” Franke and Caroline (Ulsh) Franke. He attended Millersburg schools and worked at Riverside Muskin Shoe Factory where he met his wife Joanne (Croutharmel). He also ran the local REA Express franchise, drove school bus and drove mail truck. He retired from Paul E. Harris Lumber and Construction. Donald enjoyed hunting and fishing and was adept at both. In his younger years, he enjoyed rabbit hunting with his beagle “Joe Joe” and pheasant hunting with his brittany “Muffin.” Later he was quite the successful deer hunter; there were very few years when Donnie didn’t get a buck. He enjoyed fishing the Susquehanna River in his flat boat and later air boats. He also enjoyed fishing for trout in the local streams where he caught several trout longer than 20 inches and received a certificate from the state Fish Commission for a trophy brown trout. He and his wife trained three therapy dogs: Dakota, Holly and Blue Boy. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Rife and coached Little League Baseball. He is survived by his wife, Joanne of Millersburg; his son, David; daughter-in-law, Gina; granddaughter, Brooke, and grandson James; all of Shermans Dale. Per Donald’s request, there will be no funeral services. Memorial donations may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, PO Box 415, Millersburg PA 17061. Minnich Family Funeral Homes Inc., is handling arrangements. To sign the online guestbook, go to min nichfuneral.com
Paid by funeral home
