Frank Joseph Fetzer Jr.

Frank Joseph Fetzer, Jr., age 76, passed away on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at Froedtert Hospital after an extended illness.

Frank was born on March 30, 1950 to the late Frank Joseph Fetzer Sr. and Joyce Patricia (Moore) Fetzer Craft. He grew up in Milwaukee and his love of the outdoors, music and baseball was fostered at an early age.

After graduating from Juneau High School, Frank began a 33-year career with Ma Bell. Blessed with a strong work ethic, Frank fixed the phone lines in heat, cold, rain and snow. He modeled loyalty, dedication and the value of hard work to his family every day.

His life entered a new chapter when he met his partner, Sandra Jane Phillips. He loved Sandie above all else in his life and they were married on September 18, 1976. They were blessed with four wonderful children and eight amazing grandchildren in their more than 50 years of marriage.
Among his many interests, Frank was an avid outdoorsman and over the course of his adult life was a member of many hunting and fishing clubs. He loved both hunting and fishing and taught his family to see God in all of nature and to appreciate any chance to get outside. He treasured his time outdoors and found peace watching deer, turkeys, birds and other wildlife in his backyard, but less so with the raccoons!

While Frank enjoyed being waited on, he regularly showed up for others in their time of need. There were many times where he stepped in to care for a loved one and sit with them and their families on their worst days. Those who received a card or note from him were blessed as he had a knack for writing heartfelt messages.

Meticulously organized, Frank immaculately maintained his belongings. Everything in his massive storage shed was labeled in his perfect script and handwriting, and he knew if anything was used – even if it was put back in the exact same spot. He loved music and would always have it playing while he putzed around the house.

Frank had a wonderful sense of humor and on occasion it was even appropriate. He loved to cheer on the Brewers, Packers and Badgers and attended many games with Sandie over the years.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his four children. Sara Jane Kluender (Kevin) of Stoughton, Frank Joseph Fetzer III (Stacy) of Boyceville, Kelly Kristin Grissman (Tyler) of Golden Valley, Minnesota and William Warren Fetzer of Laramie, Wyoming. Frank is also survived by his eight grandchildren, of whom he was immensely proud and loved fiercely. Frank IV and Emily Fetzer, Lucy and Grace Grissman, Kyle and Alex Kluender and Rosemary and Theodore Fetzer all have his heart. He is further survived by his God Daughter Michaela (Phillips) Weber, and many relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Frank was preceded in death by his brother James Fetzer, Step-Father Warren Craft, Mother-In-Law Lois Phillips, Father-In-Law William “Bill” Phillips, Daughter-In-Law Sarah Collins, Brother-in Law Patrick Phillips, and Brothers of his Heart, Keith Marshall and Steve Bradley.

The family will welcome visitors on Friday, November 20, 2026 from 9:00 AM-10:45 AM, followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 AM, at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin 53072.

Frank always had a tenderness in his heart for children battling illness. It was his wish that in lieu of flowers, remembrances be made to Children’s Wisconsin https://giving.childrenswi.org/.

The family wishes to thank Liz and Rachel, Dr. Nunizo Gaglianello, the heart failure team, and the staff at 3W at Froedtert Hospital for the loving care they provided Frank and his family. They also extend their gratitude to the many other doctors who gave them so much extra time with Frank.