Franklin E. Billerbeck

Racine- Franklin Edward Billerbeck, 62, passed away at home on September 29, 2022 after battling a number of serious medical issues.
A teacher for most of his life, he enjoyed playing the church organ, his daily McDonald's coffee, bookstores, and old passenger trains.
His love of trains began when he was very young. He always enjoyed telling the story of how, when he was just 3 or 4 years old, he was given a railroad lantern to play with. While passing the time with his dad at the Sparta depot, he tried to mimic what he'd seen the railroad workers do… and managed to accidentally signal a large train to a screeching halt.
Franklin is survived by his wife, Mary, and daughter, Amanda.
The family will be having a private celebration of his life.

From the hymn, "Life is Like a Mountain Railroad"

Life is like a mountain railroad,
With an engineer that's brave;
We must make the run successful
From the cradle to the grave;
Watch the curves, the fills, the tunnels,
Never falter, never quail;
Keep your hand upon the throttle,
And your eye upon the rail.

As you roll across the trestle,
Spanning Jordan's swelling tide;
You behold the Union Depot
Into which your train will glide;
There you'll meet the Sup'rintendent,
God the Father, God the Son,
With the hearty, joyous plaudit,
"Weary pilgrim, welcome home."