Laura Alynn Francke

FRANCKE, Laura Alynn – age 59 of Flint, passed away unexpectedly, with her cherished family by her side, on May 24, 2025 at Henry Ford Ascension Hospital in Grand Blanc, Michigan. A funeral service will be held at 12:00 PM Friday, May 30, 2025 at the First Presbyterian Church of Flint located at 746 S. Saginaw Street, Flint, Michigan. Rev. Dr. Joseph Novak will officiate. The family will receive guests from 2:00 – 8:00 PM Thursday, May 29, 2025 at the Sharp Funeral Home & Cremation Center (6063 Fenton Road, Grand Blanc, Michigan) and from 11:00 AM Friday until the time of service at the church. In accordance with Laura’s wishes, she will be cremated following her service.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Laura to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (www.bcrf.org) or First Presbyterian Church of Flint (www.fpcf.org).

Laura was born on June 14, 1965 in Lansing, Michigan. The daughter of the late Chester A. and Norma Maurine (McClay) Francke. She was a 1983 graduate of Carman High School and went on to study at Mott Community College.

Laura took great pride in being a loving daughter, a devoted mother, and a dedicated homemaker. She poured her heart into her family and home, always making sure her loved ones felt supported and cherished.

Laura was deeply involved in her children’s lives — serving as an active Classroom PTA mom, a nurturing preschool teacher, and a proud member of Travis’s Basketball Booster Club. Her passion for family and community was evident in everything she did.

She had a remarkable ability to light up any room she entered, bringing joy and laughter wherever she went. With her free-spirited nature, Laura never missed an opportunity to dance, celebrate, and make memories with those she loved.

Laura had a deep love for the ocean; she found peace and joy in the sound of the waves and the feeling of the sand beneath her feet. She was also a true lover of good food — always excited to share a delicious meal, chat with her friends and family about what they ate each day, study the drawer full of restaurant menus she saved, and gather around the table with family and friends.

She loved making animal friends and was known for feeding her "pet" squirrel Sammy his favorite peanuts from his dedicated miniature picnic table. One of her last memories was feeding her "pet" deer Ruby carrots from her palm at her most beloved place, Hilton Head Island.

Surviving is her beloved husband, Tom Zupko of Flint, Michigan. Adored children, Courtney Decker of Denver, Colorado; Travis Decker of Pensacola, Florida; Savannah Decker of Livonia, Michigan. Treasured grandson, Luka Decker. Dear brother, Steve (Andrea) Francke of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Her children’s father, Del Decker of Pensacola, Florida. Mother-in-law, Darlene (Clair) Ward of Swartz Creek, Michigan. Stepsons, Dylan (Cayla) Zupko and Ethan Zupko. Step-granddaughter, Eleanor. Also surviving are her special cousins who were the catalyst toward many wonderful childhood, and adult, memories. A lifetime of friends – Laura never met a stranger. Other extended family members will also dearly miss Laura.

Laura was preceded in death by her parents; cousin, Stewart Francke who passed away on May 9, 2025. Uncles and Aunts will also be greeting Laura in Heaven.

Online condolences, tributes and photos may be posted to Laura’s obituary at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com