Franke was born in Troy, New York, the son of William G. and Helena E. (Birrell) Franke.[1] He was educated in Troy, and attended Pace College, where he graduated with a business degree and specialized in accounting.[1]
Business career
His career included position as an accountant, manager and executive with Cluett, Peabody & Company of New York City,[2] Naramore, Niles & Company of Rochester, New York and Touche, Nivin & Company of New York City.[1] He was later the senior partner in Franke, Hannon & Withey, a New York accountancy firm.[1] Franke was also a member of the board of directors of several other companies, including chairman of the board for the John Simmons Company of Newark, New Jersey and board of directors member for the General Shale Products Corporation of Johnson City, Tennessee and the Carolina, Clinchfield and Ohio Railway.[2][1] In 1935 and 1936 Franke attracted notice when he completed audits of Louisiana State University following the assassination of Huey P. Long that exposed inconsistencies in university records and finances.[1]
After retiring, he resided at his family's summer home, Pasture House, in Benson, Vermont.[3] He maintained an office in Rutland, where he worked as an investment counselor .[1] He was also a board of directors member and advisory board member for Vermont's Howard Bank.[1]
Death and burial
Franke died in Rutland after complications from gall bladder surgery.[1] He was buried at Fairview Cemetery in Benson.[4]
Franke married the former Bertha Irene Ready of Schenectady, New York, who pre-deceased him.[1] They were the parents of three daughters, Phyllis, Anne, and Patricia.[1]
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