Alexander Fredrick Franzka; Ceramics Sculptor

Alexander Fredrick Franzka, who sculpted models for ceramic figurines and other objects for the Disney company and his own firm for 40 years, has died in Glendale. He was 59.

A longtime resident of Eagle Rock, Franzka died of a heart attack, said his wife, Theresa Franzka.

Franzka, who was born in Vienna, learned the art of ceramics in his homeland. He came to Los Angeles in 1961 and later went to work as a manufacturing specialist for Walt Disney Imagineering in Glendale, making molds for “audio-animatronics” figures used in Disney theme parks.

In 1975, Franzka opened Alex Franzka Ceramics in Glendale, crafting ceramic models of items such as beer steins, figurines and cookie jars for manufacturing companies. Finding it difficult to compete with a growing import market, Franzka closed his business in 1986. He returned to Walt Disney Imagineering and worked there until his death.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years; a son, Martin Franzka of Eagle Rock; a daughter, Brigitte Franzka-Fritz of La Crescenta; mother, Maria Franzka of Vienna; and a sister, Hermy Franzka of Vienna.

A funeral service was held Thursday at Forest Lawn Memorial Park-Hollywood Hills, which handled the arrangements. Donations can be made in Franzka’s name to the American Heart Assn.