Dear Carrie, Girls & Family,

   I’ve been trying to complete this letter for weeks since I learned of Franke’s passing.  To me and my sister Janelle, Franke was one of those very special teachers who make a significant impact on a young person’s life.  I was his aide in Biology and so was my sister, two years later.  I took every class that Mr. Thomas taught that I could.  I have very fond memories of many field trips to fish hatcheries, hikes up Oneota Gorge, visits to a timber farm.  Heck, I still remember how to estimate board feet in a tree because of Franke.  I was in charge of his greenhouse behind his classroom at Barlow after school.  One day, I thought, “I’m going to clean this place up” and I began to wash out the unused aquariums and the gravel.  I used soap to really get them clean!  He suggested that if I didn’t want all his fish to die that I probably shouldn’t use soap………no reprimand, just a funny expression on his face and irony to get the point across. He made learning fun.

  I looked forward to visiting him on my trips home from college. He influenced my decision to study science.  It seems that he influenced a great number of people.  He knew how to reach you intellectually & emotionally. I love to hike and backpack because of him.  I think of him every time I go somewhere beautiful in nature.  His was a really special person and his death leaves a void in this life.  My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. 

Valvette Thorpe