William Stephen Franken

MIDDLETON/OREGON-William S. Franken, age 72, passed away on Saturday, June 13, 2015 in the town of Rome.  He was born on August 26, 1942, in Madison, the son of Stephen and Catherine (Bouchard) Franken. William was united in marriage to Elizabeth A. Fleming on June 29, 1963 in Madison.  Bill graduated from Edgewood High School in 1960, received a degree from Madison Business College and attended several law enforcement classes throughout the years.  His passion for public service began as a volunteer firefighter for the town of Madison, transitioning into law enforcement as a police officer for the city of Verona. He joined the Middleton Police Department in 1970 as officer # 8. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1975 and became Middleton's first Lieutenant in December of that year.  He became Chief of Police in 1982 and held that role until his retirement in 1998.  While chief he served on the Wisconsin Chiefs of Police Association Board of Directors, President of the Dane County Chiefs of Police Association, served on governor's committees, assisted in the implementation of the EMS program, as well as the Advancement of the 911 system.  Always having an "open door policy", he treated all of those who crossed his path over the years as extended family. He enjoyed many years of retirement including winters in Arizona, summers at Lake Sherwood in central Wisconsin, many home improvement projects, watching his grandsons play hockey, traveling and surrounding himself with friends and family.  Bill is survived by his wife, Beth; daughter, Sue (Tim) Held; son, Steve (Tracy); grandsons Adam and Alex; a brother Dennis (Susan Merrell), sister Lyn Mowafy and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Stephen and Catherine, in laws, Clarence and Gertrude Fleming and a sister, Patrica Lynch. A Celebration Gathering will be held at the GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton from 4 PM until 7 PM on Friday, June 19, 2015. The Franken family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Randall Haas and his staff at Dean/St. Mary's, Dr. David Lewis and his staff at Meriter/Wisconsin Heart, as well as the town of Rome Police, Fire and EMS.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or to the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial.  Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.