Frank L. Wilson, Sr.

Frank Lenord Williamson Wilson was born on November 23, 1952 to Verlene Williamson Wilson and William Howard Carpenter in Jackson, Tennessee.  He departed this life on February 19, 2020.

Frank grew up in the Hillside Projects of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It was there that he enjoyed many friendships—some that have lasted over 60 years.  While Frank was growing up, he spent many summers working in the fields on the land that his family owned in his hometown of Jackson.

Frank attended Rufus King High School in Milwaukee, and graduated at the age of 16 in 1969.  According to Frank, it was there that he met and fell in love with a sweet, beautiful, “bow-legged” woman by the name of Sandy Key.  The two were married on January 22, 1972.  After high school, he attended Carthage College in Kenosha.  Later he transferred to Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee.  Ultimately, he moved back to Wisconsin and attended the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater. It was there that he pledged with the fraternity Omega Psi Phi.  He has remained close friends with many of his fraternity brothers.

Frank purchased their first home at the age of 23.  In 1978, he and his wife built a home in Germantown, Wisconsin.  They raised his family there for over 25 years.  In 1978, there were very few black families that lived in Germantown.  Frank always stressed the importance of diversity and acceptance to his children.  Frank and Sandy enjoyed a wonderful life together, one filled with love and devotion to their family.  They were also world travelers.

Frank was employed by Miller Brewery in 1974, where he worked for 34 years in the brewhouse making many lifelong friends before retiring in 2008.  He was a wonderful man who loved to laugh and was known for his sense of humor.  He enjoyed playing cards, connecting with people, and was always the life of the party.  Frank cherished his family and always looked forward to attending family reunions.  He was a man without enemies – but with many loyal friends.

With his intelligence and determination, Frank mastered everything he attempted to do.  As a lover of sports, he was an outstanding baseball player in high school and college.  He also played in many softball leagues as an adult.  Frank was an avid golfer who was involved in many golf leagues and participated in various tournaments where he won many trophies.  Frank even hit a hole-in-one at Mee-Kwon Golf Course! In his golf community he was known as “4-Iron Frank”.

He found great pleasure in coaching his children’s and grandchildren’s sports teams.  He coached them in basketball, baseball, and football.  He always coached the other children on the team as if they were his own family, imparting to each a lifelong legacy of skills and knowledge.

Frank’s passion for sports wouldn’t be complete without mentioning his knowledge and expertise of horse racing.  As a skilled handicapper, there were many people who reached out to Frank for his excellent advice on picking winning horses.

Frank was preceded in death by his mother Verlene Williamson Wilson, his father William Howard Carpenter, and his step-father, J.D. Wilson.

Memories of Frank will be treasured by his devoted wife Sandy, son Frank, Jr., and daughter Leticia, 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, who affectionately called him “Papa Bear”, and a host of other family members and friends.  During his final days, friends and family from all over the world reached out in love and support, through personal visits and phone calls to “The Frank Wilson”.  The love of God was present during each visit, and the spirit manifested itself in such a way that you could truly feel God’s presence.

Frank was one of a kind, and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.  He wanted us to pass along his personal message: “I love you all.”

Visitation will be held Saturday, February 29, 2020 at Krause Funeral Home, 9000 West Capitol Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin from 9:30 AM – 10:45 AM.  Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 AM.  Procession to Graceland Cemetery to follow.