Robert Joseph Franek

Grand County has lost a treasured soul with the passing of Robert Joseph Franek (age 58), affectionately known as Bob. On June 6, 2024, Bob peacefully went to his glory after a seven year long heroic fight against a formidable disease, appendix cancer. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, compassion and a life rich in accomplishments. 

Bob was born on November 29, 1965, in Loveland, Colorado, to Eileen (Welton) and Andrew Franek. He grew up alongside his sisters, Debra and Charese, in Loveland. Bob graduated from Thompson Valley High School and loved a variety of sports, especially football and baseball. Bob earned a Paralegal Certificate while living in Arizona.

On April 30, 1988, he married his best friend and soulmate, Debra Broderick. After a weekend mountain biking in Grand County, they found a way to make their home there. The marriage was blessed with sons, Mitchell Andrew and Tyler Joseph. Bob decided to further his education while being a dedicated father and husband, attending Regis University earning a Bachelor’s degree in Business and then going on to earn his Juris Doctorate from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. The family lived in Lincoln, making cherished memories and gaining many treasured friendships. Upon graduation, the family returned to Grand County where Bob was an associate with attorney Jack DiCola. He then struck out on his own, eventually having the honor of serving the community as Assistant County Attorney and County Attorney. When his illness progressed, Bob “retired” and continued practicing law in private practice.

Bob was an active parent with his boys’ sports, serving as President and coach of the Grand Lake Little League. He then coached baseball at Middle Park High School. He loved the opportunity to mentor and help boys become men. Athletics were more than sports to Bob. He also helped with soccer and hockey, becoming a Kremmling Cattle Kings board member. His sports family is close to this day and many special memories remain. Bob also loved boating, fishing, hunting, skiing and enjoying all that Grand County and the Southwest have to offer. He volunteered any way he could in the community. He served on his local water board for several years. Bob always was an avid mountain biker and when the boys left the nest he once again began to ride. He was active with ACPMP, an organization that provides support for those with appendix cancer. With family support, he turned a 25-hour Frog Hollow race into a fundraiser for research. The last couple years he enjoyed welding and restoring an old treasured jeep.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Debbie, his sons, Mitchell (Kierra) and Tyler (Sarah), his mother and step-father, Eileen and Greg Harms, his sisters, Debbie (Rob) and Cheri; nieces and nephews, Zach, Alex (Ashlie), Kate (Tyler), Carly (Trevor), Dillan, Andrew (Kenzie), Alexandra (Nic), and Aric (Tera); in-laws, Mike and Lois Broderick; brother in-law, Brian (Janice) Broderick  and many great nieces and nephews; along with many other extended family and friends. Bob is predeceased by his father Andrew Franek and grandparents, John and Pauline Franek, and Mina and Ralph Welton.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 15, 2024, at 11:00 am at Winter Park Christian Church, 274 Ponderosa Trail, Tabernash, Colorado 80478. The celebration will be available by livestream at www.wpcc4him.org

In Lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in Bob’s honor to the Mountain Family Center, Taking Steps for Cancer Fund, P.O. Box 638, Granby, CO 80446 or online at www.mountainfamilycenter.org and The Brammer Family Fund through the Grand Foundation, P.O. Box 1342, Winter Park, CO 80482 or online at www.grandfoundation.com