Franklin A. Gerke, age 86 of Madison, WI, died on Sunday, July 21, 2013 at his home with his family at his side. He was born on November 13, 1926 in Blue Mounds Township, WI to August & Marie (Maurer) Gerke.

Franklin served in the United States Army at the end of World War II. He was married to Virginia M. Gladem, and she preceded him in death in 1968. Franklin farmed in the Mt. Horeb/Barneveld area, including on the Monum farm, which was originally the Swiggum homestead. Franklin worked at the Mt. Horeb Farmers' Coop for a brief time before learning the carpet trade and establishing his own carpet installation business in Mt. Horeb, where he worked until his retirement.

On July 31, 1971, Franklin was united in marriage to Linda E. (Amacher) Swiggum at Mt. Horeb Evangelical Lutheran Church Chapel. He was a wonderful, loving companion and provider who opened his heart to Linda and her children. Their blended family shared many precious memories, both everyday memories and special family events. His family was very special to him.

Survivors include:
His wife of 41 years, Linda
Seven children:
- Greg (Ruth) Gerke
- Steve (Jeanette) Gerke
- Randal Swiggum
- Lisa (Tom) Mulderink
- Lori (Robert) Koeritzer
- Lynn (Chad) Hembel
- Jonathan Gerke
Grandchildren:
- Nicholas (Nicole) Gerke
- Megan (Cory) Jensen
- Margaret Koeritzer
- Gretchen Koeritzer
- Roger Mulderink
- Matthew Hembel
- Benjamin Hembel
Great-granddaughter:
- Peyton Gerke
Sisters:
- Marie (Burnett) Severson
- Dorothy Oehrle
Many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Virginia; and his brothers and sisters: Henry Justus Gerke, Anna Dorothea Gerke Kempfer, Sophia Gerke Huseth, Ruth C Gerke Monum, and Gotthold Reinhart Gerke.

Burial and full military honors be at Perry Lutheran Cemetery,Saturday, July 27, 2013.

Ellestad Funeral Home