A Life Story
Frauke Elfriede Carolien Aarnink, 58, of Savannah, Georgia, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2026. Born on February 7, 1968, in Anderson, SC, to German parents. Frauke was a proud dual citizen of Germany and the United States, and spoke both languages fluently. Her connection to her roots was a defining thread throughout her life. As a child, she and her brother, Henderic, born just 13 months apart, were members of the very first class of the Deutsche Schule Charlotte, NC. She established the first International Youth Group at International House, Charlotte, NC, and proudly represented her heritage through her involvement with the Allemannia Society for several years. Frauke’s dedication to learning and achievement led her to graduate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and later earned her Master’s degree from Mercer University. She built a successful career and took immense pride in her work, yet she always placed her family, friends, and community before herself. Known for her beautiful smile, infectious laugh, and wonderful sense of humor, Frauke was often the life of the party, bringing instant warmth and joy into any room she entered. She gave back generously to her community through cat rescue volunteering and her involvement with the Chatham Sailing Club, Savannah, Ga. She was always standing ready to help a neighbor or friend in need. Frauke loved her cats with passion, Ladybug and Grayson, who were her constant companions, her life, and her greatest joy. Frauke was preceded in death by her father, Bernhard Aarnink. She is survived by her mother, Ingeborg, her brother, Henderic and his wife, Donna, her nephew, Anton, and her cherished cats, Ladybug and Grayson. Frauke will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her boundless kindness, generosity, laughter, love of life, and the countless human and animal lives she touched along the way.