Herbert Frank

MADISON - Herb “Herbee” Frank, 91, of Madison, Wis., passed away peacefully surrounded by family on September 10, 2025. It is difficult to put into words the spirit of a man who was truly larger than life and a friend to many people in the Madison Community.

Born in 1934 in Chicago’s Lawndale neighborhood, Herb grew up with a deep love of music, community, and family. While working at the Oriental Theatre in Chicago, he met Sylvia “Syl,” the candy girl who would become the love of his life. They married in 1956, beginning a partnership of nearly 50 years filled with family, laughter, and shared adventures until Syl’s passing in 2006.

In 1964, Herb and Syl moved their young family to Madison, where they founded what would become a family legacy: Frank Productions. Together, with their sons, they built Frank Productions from the ground up, transforming it into a cornerstone of Madison’s cultural life. Over the next 60 years, Herb brought world-class performers to the city, from Johnny Cash to Elvis to Frankie Valli and too many more to mention giving generations of concert goers unforgettable memories. He loved music, but even more, he loved people.

Herb had a way of making friends everywhere he went, whether backstage with a performer, chatting with staff at a venue, or simply standing in line at the grocery store. One of his favorite stories was the night in 1982 when Johnny Cash had him tied to a chair on stage at the Dane County Coliseum to ensure he would take a break from working and actually watch the show. Herb would laugh retelling it, though he always admitted he felt “embarrassed, upset, and sweaty” at the time. Those who knew him will remember his great sense of humor, the twinkle in his eye, and the stories he told again and again - always with perfect timing.

Even in his later years, Herb stayed connected to the music and community he helped build. He attended concerts, shared stories from his remarkable career, and enjoyed time with friends and family. In 2018, The Sylvee was named in honor of his beloved wife, Syl, ensuring their names, like their lives, would remain forever entwined in Madison’s cultural history.

As proud as he was of his work, Herb’s greatest devotion was to his family. He was a loving father and role model to Larry, Fred, and Michael, and an affectionate father-in-law to Marla and Holly. He was a beloved grandfather to Aaron (Laura), Renee (Paul), Diana (Adam), Jason (Hanah), and Sarah (Nathan), who knew him as a jokester, a storyteller, and above all, their biggest fan. He was fortunate to become a great-grandfather to Dylan, Benny, Harlow and Breckyn. He cheered their milestones, teased them with jokes only he could tell, and filled their lives with love. Herb also had close relationships with sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Lillian and Gene Lang and their sons, Jerry and Mark.

Herb’s family wishes to thank Kristin Mitkos and family, Maria Antonette and family for their endearing friendship over the past 10 years. Many thanks are extended to the staff at Vista West and the Meriter Hospital nursing staff for their excellent care and kindness.

Herb leaves behind not just a lifetime of achievements and a city full of memories, but a family and community who will keep telling his stories, laughing at his jokes, and carrying forward his larger-than-life spirit.

A private graveside service will be held for Herb.

In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated to: Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center give.wiscmedicine.org. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420