Bernard (Ben) Franckowiak, 76 of brilliant mind and great spirit left us suddenly on Friday, February 25, 2011 to be embraced in heaven by his wife Nancy who waited 14 years to see him. Ben was born at home June 2, 1934 in Maple Grove, WI. The son of the late Mike and Elsie (Eckert) Franckowiak, he graduated from Bonduel High School and volunteered for the draft, serving 2 years in the Army. He went on to complete his Bachelor�(TM)s, Master�(TM)s and Doctorate degrees. His career took him to 4 states as a Librarian, Director of School Libraries, Tenured Professor and Dean. He returned to Wisconsin after retiring from the University of Massachusetts-Lowell and resided in Suamico. Ben�(TM)s effervescent optimism was a delight to all who knew him. He cherished his children, grandchildren, Sister Shirley whom he talked to everyday and the outdoors. Ben loved to laugh, discuss current events, bird watch and garden. A prolific reader, he became very interested in genealogy collecting history on the family tree. He is survived by his children, Mike and Deb Franckowiak (Everett, WA), Jim and Shelly Franckowiak (Washington, IA), Steve and Marie Franckowiak (De Pere, WI), Michelle and Brog Goethe (Jacksonville, FL) and Melissa and Phil Piscitelli (Westlake Village, CA). Grandchildren, Michael, Jr., Melody, Amber, Jake, Joy, Grace, Samuel, Mark, Bronson and Brock. He is further survived by his sister, Shirley (Al) Doepker, of Seymour, and his wife�(TM)s two sisters, Jane Quinette and Vonnie (Larry) McQuade as well as aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Ben is also preceded in death by his sister Lois (Clarence) Pike and his beloved wife Nancy whom he missed every minute of every day. Friends may call 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 3rd, 2011 at RYAN FUNERAL HOME in DePere. Visitation will continue at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in De Pere Friday, March 4th from 9 a.m. until time of Mass. Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM with Fr. Tim Shillcox, O. Praem officiating. Please visit www.ryanfh.com to send online condolences to the family. Please join us in love to share memories and celebrate his life.