Gerald Edward Franke

Gerald "Jerry" Franke of Indianapolis passed away on October 22nd, 2023, aged 79 years.

Loved by many, hated by some, but remembered by all. Jerry was a patron saint of the lost cause. He was a giver who loved to help people and surrounded himself with a colorful cast of characters who were always entertaining. Always an optimist, he never stopped thinking that the good days were ahead of him. Jerry coached Little League for 20 years and ran a family farm with his father and brother. In the 1970's he started hauling grain in Winchester, Indiana which led to his love of trucking. He owned three trucking companies in his life and never worked for anyone but himself. Jerry loved: his family, people, telling stories, cars, trucks, boats, jewelry (especially his rings), driving, music, friendly cigars, The Godfather, truck stop food, America and Lake Cumberland, Kentucky. He hated: waiting, bullies, details, paperwork, reading and paying taxes.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents John and Norma and by his identical twin brother Larry. Always a pair "The Boys", as people liked to call them, were the luckiest guys ever. Being adopted by John and Norma and to grow up on the German Church Road farm surrounded by loving family and friends. Now they're together again in mischief and merriment!

Surviving are his sons: Scott and Jason Franke (wife Monica) and grandchildren Gage(Scott), Tess, Bett and August(Jason). Also surviving are nephews Christian Franke (wife Lindsay, son Zane) and Paul Carnes.

Calling will be 11:00 am until 1:00 pm, Thursday, November 9, 2023, at Stillinger Family Funeral Home, Hendryx Chapel 11636 E. Washington Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46229. Memorial Service at 1:00 pm with Pastor Matt Wickham officiating. Inurnment immediately following service at Washington Park East Cemetery, Indianapolis.

Please share your memories of Jerry and condolences with his family at www.stillingerfamily.com.