Todd M. Franco, age 62, of Little Chute, passed away, with his family by his side, on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, following a severe and unexpected illness. Todd was born in Des Moines, Iowa to the late Tom and Louella (Miller) Franco. Todd grew up in Marinette, Wisconsin and graduated from Catholic Central with the class of 1982. He was enlisted in the United States Navy from 1986-1994, serving aboard the USS Kitty Hawk from 1986-1990. He was then a Chef at area restaurants before deciding to work in the Mill Industry. He spent the last 25 years at Thilmany’s (Ahlstrom) advancing to a boiler operator.

On July 16, 1987, Todd married his best friend, Charlene Wendel, at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Little Chute. Todd took great pride in his Harley motorcycles. Each one was customized to his liking. He loved being on the open road with the wind in his hair. Each summer he would attend Harley Rallies; he went to Sturgis several times and even took a ride out to Washington D.C. to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. He also ventured to Tail of the Dragon in Tennessee. Locally he enjoyed going to live music (specifically the blues) being played outdoors at area establishments. Todd believed in working hard and providing for his family. More than anything, Todd loved his family and treasured the time they spent together.

Todd is survived by his wife of 39 years, Charlene; his daughter & son-in-law, Angela & Michael Nennig; and his grandchildren: Elizabeth, Jacob, and Matthew. He is further survived by his sisters, Karen Franco and Suzette Franco; His brothers & sisters-in-law, Tom (Amy) Wendel, Timothy Wendel, Donald (Ann) Wendel, Deb (Kurt) Houg, Chris (Gene) Schroeder, Richard Wendel and Joanne (S/O Don) Wrege. Along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Todd is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, George and Elizabeth Miller; his brothers-in-law, Jim and Paul Wendel, Charlene’s parents, Edward and Mary Jane (Van Linn) Wendel; and his best friend, James Stoeger, who was like a brother to him. His family finds comfort in knowing the two are together again, undoubtedly enjoying another ride.

Visitation for Todd will be held at O’CONNELL FUNERAL HOME (1776 E. Main Street, Little Chute) on August 21, 2026, beginning at 3:00 p.m. and concluding at 5:45 p.m. His funeral will begin at 6:00 p.m. with Father Mark officiating. Military Honors will immediately follow conducted by the Kaukauna V.F.W. Post 3319 and American Legion Post 41. Todd wasn’t one for dress clothes. In keeping with his style, the family invites those attending to dress casually or with Harley-Davidson apparel. Also, a meal will be provided for the duration of the Visitation. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established.