Franklin Gaffke

October 10, 1933 - January 26, 2022

Franklin Donald Gaffke, aged 88, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at Harbor Beach Community Hospital surrounded by family. He was born October 10, 1933 in Harbor Beach to Emil and Clara (Schubring) Gaffke. He was raised as the youngest of five children on the family farm located in Gore Township, Port Hope, Michigan. After his father’s death, he took over the farm where he enjoyed many years of farming and tending livestock. He graduated from Port Hope High School at the age of 16 in 1950 and was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. Franklin and Irma Santana Villarreal were united in marriage on February 5, 1965. He cherished spending time with family and friends and was a lifelong animal lover. He appreciated local wildlife and loved his dogs and cats. He also volunteered for Gore Township and Youth For Christ. Surviving are his wife of 56 years, Irma of Port Hope, MI; along with six children; Sandra Welch and her husband Charles of Portola Valley, CA, Robert Gaffke and his wife Linda of Port Hope, MI, Joel Gaffke of Port Hope, MI, Jason Gaffke and his wife Chalsie of Port Hope, MI, Robin Villavicencio and her husband Gregory of San Mateo, CA, Kenley Gaffke of San Francisco, CA; along with eight grandchildren; Samantha Welch, Erin Welch, Trenton Villavicencio, Angel Garza Gaffke, Joel Gaffle Jr, Jose Gaffle.Julian Gaffke and Emmitt Gaffke; along with three step grandchildren: DeAnna Wruble, KayLee Butler, Sara Brown; nine great grandchildren; his sister Edna Cardwell of Marion, IN; and many loving nieces and nephews who enjoyed visits to the family farm. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Emil and Clara (Schubring) Gaffke, sister Gertrude Selbig and his brothers Earl Gaffke and Orville Gaffke. Funeral Services for Frank will be Monday, January 31, 2022 at 1 pm, at St. John Lutheran Church, with Rev. David Dodge officiating. Burial will follow in Port Hope Cemetery. Visitation for Frank will be Sunday, from 2-8 pm at the Ramsey Funeral Home of Harbor Beach. Visitation on Monday will be at the church, starting at noon until time of services at 1 pm. A scripture service and memory sharing will take place Sunday, at 6 pm in the funeral home. Memories can be shared at www.RamseyFH.com In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Frank’s memory to any of the following charities: National Kidney Foundation www.nkfm.org Nature Conservancy www.nature.org Youth For Christ www.bluewaterthumbyfc.org St John’s Lutheran Church, Port Hope