Frank J. Warnke (May 18, 1933 – September 23, 2011) was an American politician of who served in both chambers of the Washington State Legislature.

Frank Warnke
Member of the Washington Senate
from the 31st district
In office
January 10, 1983 (1983-01-10) – January 14, 1991 (1991-01-14)
Preceded byKing Lysen
Succeeded byPam Roach
Member of the Washington House of Representatives
from the 30th district
In office
January 8, 1973 (1973-01-08) – January 10, 1983 (1983-01-10)
Preceded byNorwood Cunningham
Succeeded byDick Schoon
In office
January 11, 1965 (1965-01-11) – January 9, 1967 (1967-01-09)
Preceded byJohn Bigley
Succeeded byPaul Barden
Personal details
Born(1933-05-18)May 18, 1933
Harlem, Montana, U.S.
DiedSeptember 23, 2011(2011-09-23) (aged 78)
Auburn, Washington, U.S.
Resting placeMountain View Cemetery (Auburn, Washington)
Political partyDemocratic
SpouseBeverly
Children2
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/service United States Coast Guard
Years of service1950–1953
Battles/warsKorean War

Early life and education

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A Native American, Warnke was born in Harlem, Montana and raised in Auburn, Washington. After graduating from Auburn High School, studied political science at Central Washington University and the University of Washington.[1] He later served in the United States Coast Guard and was stationed in Ketchikan, Alaska.[2]

Career

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After leaving the United States Coast Guard, Warnke worked for Boeing for 10 years. He was elected to the Washington House of Representatives in 1964.

Warnke served 12 years in the Washington House of Representatives for Washington's 30th legislative district and eight years in the Washington State Senate for Washington's 31st legislative district.[3][4]

Warnke helped create the Public School Employees of Washington (PSE), a union for school district employees, and served 17 years as the organization's executive director. Warnke also drafted legislation to create the Auburn Game Farm Park in Auburn, Washington.

Personal life

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Warnke and his wife, Beverly, had two children. He died in Auburn, Washington in 2011.[5]

References

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  1. ^ 45th Legislative Session
  2. ^ "Obituary for Frank J. Warnke at Klontz Funeral Home and Cremation Services". www.klontzfuneralhome.com. Retrieved 2020-07-28.
  3. ^ "Frank Warnke, 78, former lawmaker, dies". seattletimes.com. October 23, 2011. Retrieved April 4, 2014.
  4. ^ "Meet Your Legislator: White, Male, 52, Educated, Well-Off". community.seattletimes.nwsource.com. August 26, 1990. Retrieved April 4, 2014.
  5. ^ "Frank Warnke, 78, former lawmaker, dies". The Seattle Times. 2011-10-23. Retrieved 2020-07-28.