Joseph “Terry” Terrence Francke

Passed away on December 24, 2025

Joseph Terrence “Terry” Francke, an attorney, journalist and nationally recognized open–government advocate whose early work in Ceres helped shape his lifelong commitment to public accountability, died Dec. 24, 2025. He was 81.

Born in Williamsport, Pennsylvania to James Anthony Francke and Kathryn Lorena Francke, Terry later settled in California, where his professional life took root. After serving two years on active duty in the United States Marine Corps, enlisting in April 1968 and honorably discharged in April 1970 with the rank of sergeant, he began his career in journalism.

In the early 1970s, Terry served as information officer for the Modesto City School District before, in 1972, he and his wife Carolyn “Muffy” Francke (née Jaskunas) co–purchased the Ceres Courier with another couple. Based in Ceres, Terry worked as editor, reporter and photographer, gaining firsthand experience with local government, public records, and the practical challenges faced by community newspapers. That experience became foundational to his later work.

After earning a law degree, Terry became one of California’s leading authorities on open meeting and public records law. He was later the principal author of San Francisco’s Sunshine Ordinance and a central figure in statewide transparency efforts.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Carolyn; two children, Andrew and Emily; and three grandsons.

– Ceres (Calif.) Courier

Wednesday, January 21, 2026