Virgene Marie (Wisnieski) Franks

Virgene Marie Franks was born November 26, 1939, in Dodge, Nebraska, to Elma Bures Wisnieski and Anton Wisnieski. As a toddler, she moved with her parents and sister, Elma, to Mount Clemens, Michigan, after drought forced them from Nebraska. Shortly after, her father was killed during a labor strike, leaving her mother to raise two young daughters. Despite the distance, Virgene fondly recalled summers visiting family in Nebraska.

Her mother later married Karl Ratzow, and the family, now including sister Karen, settled in Union City, Michigan, where Virgene graduated from Union City High School. She briefly attended Michigan State University before moving to Battle Creek to work at General Foods, forming lifelong friendships there.

In 1962, Virgene married R. Douglas Franks, with whom she shared 49 years until his passing in 2012. Before starting a family, Doug began working for Kellogg Co., and Virgene took a position with Upjohn in Kalamazoo. Together, they raised two children, Suzette (Konrad) Hittner and Stephen (Kellie) Franks, building a life centered on family. She was a proud and constant presence for her grandchildren: Dietrich and Friedrich “Fritz” Hittner, and Jacob, Gabriel, and Isabelle Franks.

Virgene loved traveling and spending time with loved ones. Even as her memory faded in later years, her focus on family never wavered.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Doug; parents, Elma and Anton; stepfather, Karl; and sisters, Elma Carpenter and Karen VanZandt. She will be fondly remembered by her children, grandchildren, and all who knew her.

Friends will be received 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Monday, September 22, 2025, at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care, where a service to celebrate Virgene’s life will be held at 11:30 a.m. Monday, September 22, 2025.

A private family service will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery where Virgene will be laid to rest with her husband, R. Douglas Franks.

Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.