Franklin George Rowe

Franklin George Rowe, of Oconomowoc and the Town of Ottawa, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, June 25. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend to many.

Frank was born on September 9, 1937, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Albert and Leonita (née Potts) Rowe.

Frank played many sports, but softball was his passion. He played on numerous state and national teams, winning several Senior Softball Olympic championships. The friends he made over those many years, (referred to him as “9ER”) became lifelong companions.

Frank’s second passion was woodworking. Many of his fine works can be found today in the homes of friends and family, living on as a testament to his craftsmanship.

He was a proud Marine, serving from 1955 to 1960.

Frank attended Boys Tech High School in Milwaukee, where he developed skills in manufacturing. He spent the last 10+ years of his working career as a Manufacturing Engineer for TCI in Germantown, where he held 15+ patents.

Frank spent the bulk of his career (30+ years) at Milwaukee Electric Tool as a Tool & Die and Model Maker, advancing over the years into management and executive-level positions. One of Frank’s favorite stories was when he brought forward the idea of making battery-powered tools to METCO executives. They laughed and labeled him “battery boy,” as it was unheard of to run tools on batteries at the time. As Frank would say, he had the last laugh—now most are all battery powered. He was a true visionary and inventor.

Frank is survived by his loving wife, Antoinette, of 67 years; daughter Carol (née Rowe) Mamerow (Robert); and son Bob Rowe (Diane). He is also survived by seven grandchildren and their spouses, and ten great-grandchildren. He is further survived by his brother, Thomas Rowe, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his eldest daughter, Jean (née Rowe) von Bereghy; his parents; his father- and mother-in-law, George and Rose Dauer; his eldest brothers and their spouses, Albert and Madilyn Rowe, and Gerald and Florence Rowe; and his sister-in-law, Margo Rowe (Thomas).

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Bruno Catholic Church, 226 West Ottawa Ave., Dousman, WI 53118, at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday July 18th. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. and continue until the time of Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Frank’s name may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project: https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org

Pagenkopf Funeral Home is honored to serve the family. For more information, please call 262-567-4457 or visit www.pagenkopf.com.