Franklin Delano Roosevelt Schuepbach “Frank”

Schuepbach, Franklin Delano Roosevelt “Frank” MCFARLAND – Franklin Delano Roosevelt Schuepbach “Frank”, age 79, of McFarland, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 27, 2013 at Shady Rest Adult Family Home in Marshall. He was born on Jan. 30, 1934 in Madison, to the late Ernest Sr. and Josephine “Josie” (Magnasco) Schuepbach. Frank was born on the same day as the late president Franklin D. Roosevelt and he carried this namesake through the personal consent and a signed letter from the late president. Frank grew up working with his father on the family farm where he developed an incredibly strong and solid work ethic. His passion for working hard is a theme that continued throughout Frank’s life. Anyone who knew Frank also knew that he was a very committed worker and a loyal friend. Frank spent over 50 years in the Iron Workers Local No. 383. He worked for many local contractors and helped to construct and build many larger buildings around the state, including Monona Terrace, The Kohl Center, St. Mary’s Hospital, University Hospital, and Miller Park to name just a few. Here again, co-workers commented on Frank’s tenacity and his “bulldog” type of attitude when it came to taking on various projects. He retired from Local No. 383 in November of 2006. Frank served his country as a member of the Army National Guard and retired from service in 1994. Frank was also an active member of the Madison Elk’s Lodge No. 410 and the Monona Grove Business Men's Association. In addition to Frank’s work as an ironworker he owned and operated the Green Lantern Tavern in McFarland, during the 1970’s. He was also very active in running the family business, Josie’s Italian Restaurant, on the corner of Park and Regent in Madison. He especially looked forward to working with friends and family at the game day food stand during home UW Football games. This stand was located in the parking lot of Josie’s and Frank could always be found at the grill, with a beer in his hand and a smile on his face while cooking up the food for the fans. Frank truly enjoyed playing softball with the Madison Area Fast-pitch softball league. He played in the outfield and rarely did a ball pass through his glove. Frank volunteered at the Holmes Rodeo in Madison for many years and he also enjoyed cooking at the Monona Grove Business Men's Association Chili Cook-Off. Frank loved the outdoors and he could often be found gardening with his long-time friends, John Wrend and Arlie Felton. In addition, he loved pheasant hunting with family and friends. Many fond memories of pheasant hunts took place out on the family farm. Other outdoor activities that Frank enjoyed included shooting trap, hunting and fishing. A favorite hobby of Frank’s was to cut firewood and he always considered this to be a wonderful family activity and numerous hours were spent cutting wood because Frank never wanted to be short for the winter months. Frank’s favorite indoor activity was to watch and/or listen to the stock market reports on the television. Always wanting to be prepared, Frank kept a sharp eye on the ups and downs of the market. He is survived by his wife, Betty of McFarland; mother-in-law, D. Ellen Nelsen of Cable; sister, Joanne (Butch) Jensen of Oregon; brothers-in-law, John Elliott of Cahokia, Ill. and Wayne Nelsen of St. Charles, Ill.; sisters-in-law, Jody (Randy) Stammen of Cable and Phyllis (Don) Lane of Waukesha; former wife, Joan Olson of Sun Prairie; children, Gary (Cindy) Schuepbach of Madison, Rayma (Keith Pocock) Schuepbach of Marshall, Robin Schuepbach-Shapiro of Venice, Fla., Ernest Schuepbach of Pleasant Springs, and Patricia Schuepbach-Lucas of Madison; step-children, Angela Brigham of Edgerton and Wendy (Karim) Abrouq of Cottage Grove; grandchildren, Carrie Schuepbach of McFarland, John Schuepbach of Oregon, Tauna Ryan of Marshall, Joshua (Aftyn) Wilke of Marshall, Paul and Nathan Shapiro of Verona, Lucas and Nicholas Schuepbach of McFarland, Deserah Chapman of Madison, and Zach Lucas of Madison; step-grandchildren, Leila, Nadia, and Mimoun Abrouq of Cottage Grove; and great-grandchildren, Joshua and Kaylin Wilke, Devin, Jocelyn and John Jr. Schuepbach. Frank is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Sr. and Josie Schuepbach; brothers, Ernest “Babe” and John (Delores) Schuepbach; sisters, Pauline (Stanley) Taylor, Rose Marie “Dolly” St. Louis, and Theresa Elliott; father-in-law, Leonard Nelsen; and his loving daughter, Stephanie Jo Schuepbach in 1984. A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at Noon on Thursday, July 11, 2013, with Pastor Tom Moe of Southern Care Hospice officiating. Burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday. In addition, a celebration of life will take place at the MAPLE TREE RESTAURANT, 6010 US South Hwy. 51, McFarland, from Noon until 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 13, 2013. In lieu of flowers a memorial is being set up in Frank’s name. On-line condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Many thanks to the Shady Rest Adult Family Home staff of Sherri, Deb, Tauna (granddaughter), Joshua (grandson) and Rayma (daughter). Wonderful care was also provided by the Southern Care Hospice Center, especially the visiting staff of Francie, Bobbi, Rachel, Fred, and Kathy and Chaplain Tom Moe. He Only Takes the Best… God saw that he was getting tired, A cure was not to be. So He put His arms around him and whispered, 'Come with Me.' With tearful eyes, we watched him suffer. And saw him fade away. Although we loved him dearly, We could not make him stay. A golden heart stopped beating, Hard working hands to rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes 'the best.” Cemetery: Burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers a memorial is being set up in Frank’s name. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday. In addition, a celebration of life will take place at the MAPLE TREE RESTAURANT, 6010 US South Hwy. 51, McFarland, from Noon until 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 13, 2013. A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at Noon on Thursday, July 11, 2013, with Pastor Tom Moe of Southern Care Hospice officiating.