Francis G. Nachtigal

COTTAGE GROVE - Francis G. Nachtigal, age 84, of Cottage Grove, passed away on Friday, February 6, 2026. He was born on July 22, 1941, in Hillsboro, Wis, the son of George and Josephine (Stanek) Nachtigal.

Fran, or Frank to some, proudly enlisted in the United States Army, completing his basic combat training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. He then continued his service at Sandia Base in New Mexico, where he earned certification in the Army’s nuclear weapons basic maintenance program. His next assignment took him to Philadelphia, Pa., where he met Marie Ross, the love of his life, while serving in South Philadelphia. Their connection was immediate, and after a joyful whirlwind courtship, they were married on January 23, 1965, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Philadelphia.

When Fran completed his military service, he and Marie returned to Wisconsin, settling first in Richland Center. After welcoming their first child, Kathy, they moved to Madison, where Fran began working at Gisholt until the company closed. In 1971, he joined Oscar Mayer, where he built a long and dedicated career, retiring in 2000 as a Supervisor in the Plastics Department. Fran and Marie moved into their “forever” home in Cottage Grove in 1974 and Fran became well-known in the community for his expansive garden, which he tended with great pride and care each year.

Fran was a man of deep faith and a devoted member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church for more than 50 years. He was an avid outdoorsman who treasured hunting on his family land in Yuba, Wisconsin, where he shared a lifelong bond with his brothers and sisters. Together, Fran and his brothers were a horseshoe-pitching team to be reckoned with, often competing in tournaments throughout Wisconsin in their younger years. Fran and Marie also loved to travel, enjoying many warm destinations with their dear friends Kenny and Shirley Buckley, eventually discovering their favorite place in Puerto Vallarta, where they formed cherished lasting friendships with people from across the country.

Above all, Fran’s greatest joy in life was his family. Every gathering, big or small, would be filled with warmth, good food, tall stories from everyone, a spirited game of Euchre, and the kind of laughter that echoed long after the night was over. He cherished every moment spent with his loved ones, creating traditions and memories that will be treasured for generations.  

Francis was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife, Marie; his brother, James and sister-in-law, Patricia Nachtigal. He is survived by his five children, Kathy (Jeff) Borgedahl, Joe (Diane) Nachtigal, Michelle (Mike) Leeder, Theresa (Doug) Schuyler and Chris (Stephanie) Nachtigal; 14 grandchildren, Amanda (James) Sizemore, Michael (Suzie) Nachtigal, Ryan Nachtigal, Joshua Leeder, Jessica (Christian) Schloss, Jarod Leeder, Jenna (Nick) Donley, Brandon Borgedahl, Jayme Schuyler, Julia (Dawson) Schuyler, Kiah Nachtigal, Hunter Meyers, Tyler Meyers and Mason Meyers; ten great-grandchildren, Gage, Alexa, Hailie, Kinsley, Rahmya, Aurora, Kylie, Makenna, Novalee and Noah; sisters and brothers, Mary Jo (George) Schumacher, Barbara (John) Seep, Patty (Jerry) Leslie, George (Diane) Nachtigal, Tim (Jackie) Nachtigal and Fritz (Angie) Nachtigal; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. PATRICK CATHOLIC CHURCH, 434 N. Main St., Cottage Grove, at 5 p.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026, with Father Matthew Pearson presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 3 p.m. until the time of the Mass on Friday. Burial will take place at Czech National Cemetery in Yuba, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Deer-Grove EMS or Cottage Grove Fire Department. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420