Steve Franke, 69, Celina, Ohio, formerly of Fort Recovery, died February 19, 2017, at his Bass Landing residence.

He was born February 1, 1948, in Celina, OH, to Herbert and Virginia (Baker) Franke. On May 12, 1973, he married Catherine (Berry) Franke, who died October 12, 2013.
Surviving are his son, Steven Franke of Columbus, OH; his daughter, Julie (Nate) Cline of Marysville, OH; his grandchildren, Sophia, Shepard, Daphne and Bode Cline and his sister, Linda (Richard) Smith of Commerce, MI.
After graduating from Fort Recovery High School in 1966, Steve attended Northwood University in Michigan, graduating with an associates degree in marketing. He served in the United States Army Reserve from 1968-1974.

He went into business with his father at the Franke Insurance Agency in 1970, which later became known as the Franke-Meiring Insurance Agency until it combined with Hein Insurance to form the current Fort Recovery Insurance Agency.

Steve joined the Fort Recovery Fire Department in 1970 and served as fire chief from 1983-1986. During those three years the fire district was formed, a new building was constructed and the first custom pumper was put into use. He actively participated in just about every aspect of the department.

Steve retired from the Southwest Fire District Board in 2010, after 40 years of combined service to the fire department and district board. Steve was very passionate about his service to the fire department.
  Strongly believing in community service, Steve served on the county task force to implement the 911 phone system in 1990 and served on the Mercer County Board of Health from 1984-1994. He was also one of the original organizers of the Community Improvement Corp., which was the parent organization of the Fort Recovery Ambassadors.

He was a two term president of the Fort Recovery Chamber of Commerce, served as chairman of the Fort Recovery Harvest Jubilee twice and was appointed to the Fort Recovery Industrial Park committee. Steve was also a member of the Masonic Lodge, Fort Recovery.
Services are 10:30 am Friday at Trinity Lutheran Church, Fort Recovery with Pastor Robin Owen officiating. Burial will follow at Spring Hill Cemetery, Fort Recovery, Ohio.
Calling is 3:30 pm-7:30 pm Thursday at Brockman-Boeckman Funeral Home, Fort Recovery, Ohio, and an hour prior to the services on Friday at the Trinity Lutheran Church. The Fireman's Color Guard will have a Last Call Service at the funeral home at 7:15 pm Thursday.

In lieu of flowers and gifts the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Fort Recovery Community Foundation.

Condolences may be directed to www.brockmanboeckmanfh.com.