Franklin Otto Lewitzke, Sr.

Franklin “Frank” Lewitzke, Sr. passed away on Monday, February 10, 2025, while under the care of Mount View Care Center. 

Frank was born in Wausau on February 18, 1932, to the late Otto and Lydia (Gernetzky) Lewitzke. 

He graduated from Wausau High School in 1950. On March 29, 1951, Frank enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. After completing his basic training at Camp Pendleton, CA he became a Drill Instructor. This was followed by service in the Korean War. He rose to the rank of Sergeant on December 19, 1952. He was discharged on March 29, 1954.

Frank began a new life upon returning from Korea. On May 14, 1955, he married Patricia Ritz, and they were joined until her passing on August 14, 1983. He began a 35-year career with the Wausau Fire Department on January 1, 1957. He began as a firefighter and Motor Pump Operator. He worked his way “up the fire ladder” to lieutenant, captain, and to Assistant Fire Chief. He held that position until retirement called on April 3, 1992. 

During these years he even managed to find time on his days off to spend 20 years driving truck for L&S Electric starting November 1, 1973.

As the seasons change, so does life. In September 1986, Frank’s life would take him on a new journey when he was introduced to Connie Maliszewski. A blind date led to a series of dates and on March 6, 1987, they became husband and wife. They were married for nearly 38 years and together they continued Frank’s passion for driving by taking trips up north, to an occasional Brewer’s game, to New England to see the fall colors, and to what became their favorite spot to visit, Jackson Hole, WY. 

Over the many years from childhood to adulthood, Frank enjoyed playing baseball in a variety of leagues, such as fast pitch, slow pitch, and softball as well as football for the Merrill Foxes. He enjoyed fishing, rabbit and fox hunting, partridge and pheasant hunting, and taking walks in the woods, but his all-time favorite thing to do was to go deer hunting and of course spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife, Connie (Maliszewski) Lewitzke; their children, John Lewitzke, Tim (Angela) Bratz, David (Emilia) Bratz, Cherie (Mike) Wogernese; beloved grandchildren, Tyler, Jacob, Ellie, Parker, Evan, and Preston; sister, Doris Scheel; and brother, Kenneth (Suzanne); sister-in-law, Joanne Lewitzke; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family and friends. 

Besides his parents, Frank is preceded in death by his first wife, Patricia (Ritz) Lewitzke and their oldest son, Frank Lewitzke Jr.; brothers, Charles Lewitzke and William Lewitzke; sisters-in-law, Delores Lewitzke and Sarah “Sally” Lewitzke; brothers-in-law, Carleton Meilahn and Lloyd “Christy” Scheel. 

Frank was a member of the American Legion and VFW Post 388. He was a former board member of the property committee at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, February 15, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 930 Edgewood Road, Wausau, from 10 a.m. until the time of funeral service at 12 p.m.

Frank and his family wish to extend their deepest thanks and appreciation to the entire staff at Mount View Care Center and Cardiology Associates of Wausau for their tremendously thoughtful and genuinely kind care of Frank. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Frank’s memory.