Charles Edward Franke, 76 years old, was born on March 28, 1944, in East St. Louis, IL, and passed away on Sunday, February 7, 2021, in Creve Coeur, MO.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Annabelle Franke.

Charles was an avid poker, bridge, and chess player and would play games of any kind with anyone who was at his house.  He nearly reached the World Series of Poker Tournament, being knocked out in a qualifier in Aruba.  He was a fan of both the St. Louis Cardinals and the St. Louis Rams during their short stay in St. Louis.   If you found him out and about there was a better chance than not you'd find him in one of his many St. Louis Rams sweatshirts.

Charles is survived by his loving wife, Karen (Schindler) Franke, of 53 years.  His children, Chuck (Dawn) Franke, Scott (New) Franke, Ben Franke, Bryan Franke, Margaret Fitzsimmons, and Aaron (Kristen) Franke, his siblings, Tom Roberts, Mary Ann (John) Bowers, and Gene (Annie) Franke, and his grandchildren, Kyle Franke, Hannah Franke, Claire Franke, Anthony Franke, Dominic Franke, Sophia Franke, Elliott Fitzsimmons, Thomas Fitzsimmons, Sara Franke, Brandon Franke, and Kathryn Franke.

The family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to the American Cancer Society or the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 14, 2021, from 2 pm to 6 pm, at Herr Funeral Home in Collinsville, IL. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, February 15, 2021, at 11 am, at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Caseyville, IL, with burial immediately following at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Fairview Heights, IL.

Per St. Stephen Catholic Church regulations, all attendees of the Funeral Mass must wear masks and to please call (618) 397-0666 to RSVP, as they need to know how many people will be attending.