Brian Franks

Brian David Franks, 52, beloved husband of Anne, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, February 21, 2018, at The University of Chicago Medical Center.
Brian was born on April 1st, 1965, in Escanaba, MI, to Don and Maddie (Jensen) Franks. He graduated from Escanaba High School in 1983 where he was a standout athlete in basketball and football and was a member of the 1981 Class “A” State Championship football team. He attended Northern Michigan University (NMU) on a football scholarship, lettering all four years. He finished his football career as a member of the 1987 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Champions and the team went on to become National Semi Finalists in Division II Football. Brian won many awards over the years including twice being named NMU Offensive Lineman of the Year, preseason All American, and was named GLIAC Conference 1st Team in his senior year. He was also celebrated as an NMU Outstanding Alumni in 2000 as well as being elected to the Escanaba Eskymo Wall of Fame in 2014.
Brian married his high school sweetheart, Anne (LeMire) Franks on June 4, 1988, and they would have celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary in June. Brian began his 30 year career in the laminating film industry in the greater Chicago area, and served in executive positions with companies such as General Binding Corporation, GBC Pro Tech, and Transilwrap. His most recent role was Vice President and General Manager for the Protective & Aesthetics Division for Transcendia of Franklin Park, IL.
Brian is survived by his wife, Anne, their three children, Zachary, Abby, Grace and his beloved dog, Maggie. Brian’s parents, Don and Maddie of Escanaba, two brothers, James of Gladstone, MI, and Scott (Sarah) of Escanaba, mother-in-law Nancy LeMire of Escanaba, and many nieces, nephews, Aunt’s and Uncle’s. Brian was preceded in death by his grandparents, Stanley and Adele Jensen, and Adolph and Viola Franks, and father-in-law, Dr. Bill LeMire.

Brian was immensely devoted to his family, especially Anne, Zach, Abby and Grace. Brian’s enthusiasm made every birthday and holiday special. That enthusiasm established family traditions that will be carried on forever. His quiet strength and gentle humor brightened every room he walked into and he was loved by everyone who knew him.


A visitation will be held on Sunday, February 25th, from 2:00-8:00pm, with a prayer service at 7:15 at The Countryside Funeral Home, 950 South Bartlett Rd., Bartlett, IL. Crawford Funeral Home is working with the family on a second visitation to be held in Escanaba on Saturday, March 3rd.


The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Team Franks for all their love and support over the years. Additionally, the family would like to thank the staff at The University of Chicago Medical Center for the expert care they gave Brian over the last 9 years. We are today and forever will remain TooStrong!