James "Jim" Franken, 89, of De Pere died early Friday morning May 13, 2011 at a local hospital, surrounded by his family. The son of the late Peter D. and Helen (Bong) Franken was born August 27, 1921 in Green Bay. On November 10, 1945, he married the former Lorraine Linnane at St. Francis Catholic Church in De Pere. Jim served his country in the U.S. Air Force during WW II. In October 1942, Jim enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He was accepted in the Air Cadet Flying Program. While in the Air Force, Jim attended Sam Houston State and Butler University. He graduated from Flight Engineer Training and received his B-29 Engineer Wings and appointment as a flight officer on November 6, 1945. Jim was active in his church, St. Francis Xavier, serving as President of the Holy Name Society and Usher Club. Jim served as President of the Abbott Pennings Parents Club and St. Norbert College Parents Club. He and Lorraine served as co-chairs of the Minahan Stadium concession stand for 16 years. Jim worked with the Brown County Library System in the business administration department. He retired in January of 1988. He enjoyed golfing with his friends and attending the EAA in Oshkosh. Jim was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. Jim's greatest joy was in the accomplishments of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Lorraine, and their children, Dan and Joan Franken, Naperville, IL, Mary Sue and Jeff VandeLeest, De Pere, John and Janet Franken, De Pere, Tom and Kathleen Franken, Roscoe, IL, Tim and Patricia Franken, Carol Stream, IL, Jeffry and Karen Franken, De Pere, James and Melissa Franken, De Pere, Molly and Paul Gevers, De Pere, Andrew and Anne Franken, Madison. Jim is also survived by his twenty-five grandchildren, one stepgranddaughter, and nine great-grandchildren. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, one grandson, Matt, two children at birth and six brothers and sisters. Family and friends may call at RYAN FUNERAL HOME 305 North Tenth Street, De Pere from 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Monday May 16, 2011. Parish prayer service will close the visitation at 7:00 pm. Visitation will continue after 3:00 pm Tuesday at St. Francis Catholic Church, 220 South Michigan Street, De Pere until time of service. Mass of Christian Burial will be concelebrated at 4:00 pm Tuesday at the church. Fathers John H. Harper, Charlie Hoffman and Gery Meehan, O. Praem., officiating. Burial in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Please visit www.ryanfh.com to send online condolences to the Franken family. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorial funds have been established for the CP Center, and Catholic Relief Services.