SJR70: Joint Resolution Text

LRB-4180/2

SRM:cjs:rs

2011 - 2012 LEGISLATURE

2011 Senate JOINT RESOLUTION 70

March 5, 2012 - Introduced by Senators Darling, Taylor, Galloway, T. Cullen, Risser, Holperin, Carpenter, Miller and S. Coggs, cosponsored by Representatives Berceau, Stone, Spanbauer, Staskunas, Kessler and Pasch. Referred to Committee on Senate Organization.

SJR70,1,1 Relating to: the life and public service of Harry Franke.

SJR70,1,3 Whereas, Harry Franke, former Wisconsin Representative and Senator, passed away on February 4, 2012; and

SJR70,1,5 Whereas, Harry Franke is survived by his wife Mary and their three children, Jay, John, and Mary Ann; and

SJR70,1,6 Whereas, Harry was born on October 13, 1922, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and

SJR70,1,8 Whereas, Harry attended the University of Wisconsin, but left to join the Army during World War II where he served stateside as a trainer; and

SJR70,1,10 Whereas, Harry resumed his studies at Marquette University at the conclusion of the war and later went on to earn a law degree at the University of Wisconsin; and

SJR70,1,12 Whereas, in 1950, Harry Franke was elected to the Wisconsin assembly, serving one term; and

SJR70,1,14 Whereas, in 1952, Harry served in the Wisconsin senate for one four-year term; and

SJR70,2,2 Whereas, Harry joined a law firm that would eventually become Cook & Franke in 1960, and eventually became a full-time lobbyist; and

SJR70,2,4 Whereas, many have praised Harry for his work as a lobbyist and credit his success to his straightforward, honest, and thoughtful approach to the job; and

SJR70,2,7 Whereas, Harry was recognized for his philanthropic and volunteer work as evidenced by the Harry and Mary Franke Idea Fund, which gave money to start-up organizations; and

SJR70,2,9 Whereas, Harry also started Franke Scholars, which awarded Milwaukee public school graduates with scholarships to state colleges; and

SJR70,2,13 Whereas, Harry dutifully served his community, being involved with groups including the Inbusch Foundation, Public Policy Forum, Skylight Theatre, the Downtown YMCA, Children's Service Society, the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, and Alverno College; and

SJR70,2,17 Whereas, Harry was recognized for his hard work and dedication to the community, receiving awards such as the Milwaukee Foundation Community Service William Frye Award, Milwaukee Bar Association Lawyer of the Year, and Boy Scouts' Distinguished Citizen Award; and

SJR70,2,20 Whereas, Harry never shied away from his beliefs despite criticism, as evidenced by his speaking out against Wisconsin Senator Joe McCarthy's anti-communist rhetoric; and

SJR70,2,23 Whereas, Harry will long be remembered for his love of limericks, reciting one at the end of each Milwaukee Rotary meeting, where he served as President and District Governor for Wisconsin; now, therefore, be it

SJR70,3,2 Resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That the legislature commends the life and dedicated service of Harry Franke, expresses sorrow at his death, and extends its condolences to his family, friends, and all those who were touched by his work; and, be it further

SJR70,3,4 Resolved, That the senate chief clerk shall provide a copy of this joint resolution to Mr. Franke's family.

SJR70,3,5 (End)