Obituary of Horst H Franke

Horst Franke, 86, of Oakland, New Jersey passed away on July 13, 2020. Mr. Franke was born on December 14, 1933 in Stolpmunde, Germany. In 1953, Horst immigrated to the United States with his twin brother Guenther when they were 19-years-old. Horst and Guenther, as well as their younger brother Juergen, survived, but were orphaned, in World War II. Overcoming childhood struggles Mr. Franke was proud to live the American dream in The Unites States and became a US citizen soon after arriving in New York. Prior to arriving in New York he learned the trade of baking in Flensburg, Germany and this led to his first job in the USA at Schrafft’s in New York City. Horst worked as a production manager for the bakery that produced all the baked goods for the restaurant chain. Throughout his successful career, he went on to work for companies like Heidi Bakeries, Rich Foods, and Bunge Foods. He also started a consulting business upon his retirement. Mr. Franke was an expert in the production, manufacturing, and development of baked goods across the country and was a member of the Society of Bakery Engineers, and the American Institute of Baking. He helped develop many recognized brands and products in the USA working with major baked goods manufacturers and remained an avid and expert baker throughout his life. Throughout his life, Horst was exceptionally loving, warm, and strong. He had a unique and admirable appreciation for his family that will leave a lasting impact on all of his surviving loved ones. Horst is predeceased by his beloved wife Meta, who passed on in 2016. The two met in Franklin Square, NY in 1956 and were married in 1957. Both Horst and Meta relayed stories over the years about how, from the beginning, they knew they were meant to be together. They both came to the United States with nothing, and they found an instant home within each other. That home only continued to grow and expand with children and grandchildren. The pair were married for 57 years, until only death could part them. For the rest of his life, Horst missed his wife dearly, but was regularly visited by family and friends alike. Those who were lucky enough to know him personally will miss the gatherings he and Meta were so famous for throwing--BBQs, holiday parties, football-Sundays. He continued them even after she passed, and was always the best host. Those who knew him will remember warm summer nights, hearts full with the sound of his harmonica. They will miss the smile he held on his face simply watching and listening to his family and friends conversing and laughing together. They will also fondly remember all of his Facebook comments and messages. They will never forget the amazing cakes, pies, and brownies that ne would create in the home “lab” for his friends and family. Horst and Meta are now forever reunited and resting in love and peace. The world will be a bit duller without Horst & Meta, Mom & Dad, Oma & Opa--but the memories they gave their family and friends will live on forever in full, vibrant color. Horst is survived by his twin brother Guenther and his younger brother Juergen, sons Frederick and Robert, Daughters-in-law Lisa Franke and Stephanne Franke, and four grandchildren: Tyler, Jessica, Alexandra and Natalie Franke. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, July 21st--family and friends may visit from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at the Oakland Memorial Home, 330 Ramapo Valley Road Oakland, New Jersey 07436. All who knew and loved Horst are welcome to attend the service and remember his life.