SUN PRAIRIE / MIDDLETON - Our father, husband, grandfather and great-grandfather, William Edward “Bill” Frantz entered into the gates of heaven on Monday, Oct. 2, 2023. He was born in Williamsport, Pa., on March 24, 1934, the son of Gerald and Ruby Frantz. Bill graduated from Penn State and went on to receive his master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin.

After being drafted, Bill proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. He worked for the Wisconsin Department of transportation until his retirement. After retirement, he went on to follow his passion of teaching. He taught many courses at colleges in the area. He also had a small consulting business “The Winning Edge.”

Bill was responsible for bringing youth hockey to the Middleton Area and then also into the high school. He was a huge advocate for wire face masks in the youth hockey programs and was an integral part of making this mandatory for youth hockey players. This led to him being crowned the “Grandfather” of Middleton youth hockey.

Bill always had a love of the outdoors and took his family on many outdoor adventures. Everyone loved his famous cast iron fire-cooked potatoes. His kids didn’t always get what they wanted but Bill always made sure they had everything they needed.

Bill was a member of City Church in Madison. He married the love of his life, Barbara Pemberton, and this year they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They raised their five children in Middleton.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Barb; and their children, David and Cindy Thompson, Gerry and Katie Frantz, Beth and Keith Browning and Julie and John Wilson; 15 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Geri Frantz and her three children. He was preceded in death by his son, Paul; and his parents.

He always told his family, “You can do and be anything you want,” his personalized license plate read, “Dream and Do.”

A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 10 a.m. until 12 noon on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023. A family graveside service with military honors will follow at HIGHLAND MEMORY GARDENS, 3054 County Highway BB, Cottage Grove.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

William Frantz

March 24, 1934 - October 02, 2023

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