Our Guestblogger today is Marjorie Shaw an adoptee in a closed domestic adoption. This is the autobiography of her search for her lost self as an adoptee in a closed adoption. We are delighted that she has given us the opportunity to post her manuscript on our website in segments on Mondays and Fridays. © 2006 All rights reserved

Chapter Twenty- Eight - The Final Chapter - “A Family Found” (continued from here)

It was Wednesday September 16th when I Googled my Uncle Bob for the heck of it and found an article about him in the WinonaDailyNews.com.

Bob Franke once ran the CB&Q Hudson 4000 steam locomotive engine in 1941 after a short stint as a substitute teacher. “I loved running an engine,” the 91-year-old said,” “I’d do it again, I’m sure, if I was a younger man.”

As if by magic I went back in time and was that little girl who upon hearing the train whistle dropped everything she was doing to sprint out to the front porch of her grandfather’s house in South Pasadena to greet and wave at the smiling conductors who always waved back at her as the train passed by.

It was now Saturday September 19, 2009 and was finally finishing the story of my journey home. I woke up at 4am with the old depression tugging at me and the tears began to flow. Why was I so sad? Was it more grief from my reunion? I found myself as before needing to be alone in my car to drive through the country as I did to the beach in California to cry and scream like I used to do when these sad feelings and raw emotions became overwhelming. Was I sad that my story was over and I knew I would never meet my Uncle Bob. Think of the good not the bad kept running through my mind. Be thankful for what you have and don’t obsess over the love of the people you don’t have I kept telling myself.

An email from Judy arrived on Monday the 21st.

Robert Bartel Franke

Robert Bartel Franke, 91, of La Crosse passed peacefully into God's hands on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2oo9, to be rejoined with his beloved wife, Eleanor.

Robert was born Feb. 20, 1918, to Benjamin and Anna (Bartel) Franke (my grandmother and father) in the same house that he resided in for 91 years.

After attending Logan High School he went on to receive a bachelor of science degree in English from La Crosse State Teachers College, now UW-La Crosse. He served as a substitute teacher for a brief period and then obtained the job of his dreams, working on the railroad for Burlington Northern. Bob worked as an engineer until his retirement in 1984. Running a train was not a job, but a passion. He also had the honor and distinction of running the "4000" steam engine that is now on permanent display in Copeland Park. He loved that engine but did not miss the soot and cinders when he moved to the new, diesel-powered locomotives.

Robert married the love of his life, Eleanor Boak, in June 1961 and they had 40 years of wedded bliss. He was fond of saying that they never had an argument, or even a disagreement.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Anna, and his father, Benjamin; his brother, James; and his sister, Marian. Eleanor passed away on Jan. 29, 2001, and he has missed her every day since.

Robert is survived by three nieces, two nephews, many close friends, and his faithful companion, Rexanne.

He was known by many in La Crosse as the "man in the hat" who walked his precious beagles (all named either Rex or Rexanne) throughout the city. Animals had a special place in Bob's heart and he was a strong supporter of the Coulee Region Humane Society.

Robert will be remembered as the Good Samaritan of Charles Street. He sometimes could have a brisk tone, but his heart was pure gold. He has helped countless people who were down on their luck when they needed a hand. He has been a generous benefactor to many charities, and received numerous awards and honors, including the Franciscan Skemp Foundation Spheres of Influence Award in 2004. He was a devout Catholic and a lifelong member of St. James the Less Catholic Church.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at St. James the Less Catholic Church in La Crosse, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Bishop Jerome Listecki and the Rev. Roger Scheckel will concelebrate the funeral Mass. Committal services will follow immediately in Catholic Cemetery, La Crosse. Blaschke & Scheider Funeral Home-Nelson Chapel, La Crosse, is assisting the family.

Thank you to those who provided exceptional and compassionate care for Bob in his final days, including Franciscan Skemp's 7th floor medical team, hospice staff and Dr. Mario Skobic.

"Rejoice and be exceedingly glad; for great is your reward in heaven." - St. Matthew 5:12. Posted in Obituaries on Saturday, September 19, 2009 12:15 am

Image Credit: submitted by Marjorie Shaw