Former Saginaw mayor G. Stewart Francke Sr. died Friday at his home in Point Lookout, near Au Gres. He was 86.

Francke, Saginaws mayor from 1961 to 1965, was instrumental in building the Holland Street Bridge, which was recently named in his honor as the G. Stewart Francke Bridge. He also helped in the creation of the Saginaw Civic Center, now known as TheDow Event Center.

Francke was a huge advocate of civil rights. His resolution for equal rights was adopted by the Michigan Conference of Mayors in Oct. 1963.

Franckes wife, Kay, led a group of Saginaw women in the creation, financing and construction of the Saginaw Childrens Zoo. The couple also helped establish Saginaws Sister City relationship with Tokushima, Japan, and traveled to Tokushima as Saginaws first emissaries.

Francke retired from General Motors Corporation in 1989. While serving as Director of Government and Industry Relations, Stew led the big three automakers in an initiative to pass seat belt laws across the country. He also worked for many years at Draper Chevrolet, served as President of the Michigan State University Alumni Club, Director of the Michigan Conference of Mayors, President of the Michigan Municipal League and sat on the St. Marys Hospital Foundation Board. On July 12, Francke was honored by the Saginaw City Council for his service and commitment to the city by renaming the Holland Street Bridge in his memory.

Francke graduated from Saginaw High, where he captained the 1942 state championship basketball team. He later served in the Army Air Corps in World War II before attending Michigan State University.

Francke's wife died in 2008. He leaves three children and six great-grandchildren.

His funeral is at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Saginaw. Arrangements are through Deisler Funeral Home in Saginaw Township.