Franklin "Frankie" Schmeling

(1922-2006)

Member #159

Rock River Thresheree Class of 1982

EDGERTON/BUSSEYVILLE - Franklin "Frankie" Schmeling, 83, a lifelong Edgerton/Busseyville resident, was born to eternal life on Monday, Jan. 9, 2006.

He died after a brief illness at the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center in Fitchburg, WI, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on Oct. 14, 1922, in Edgerton, WI, to Frank and Clara 'Maude' (Learn) Schmeling. He attended area country schools. Frank was united in marriage to Vera Babcock on Feb. 17, 1945, at the Edgerton Methodist Church Parsonage. They celebrated their 60th anniversary in February, 2005. He was a World War II Army veteran stationed in Italy, and he was also a member of the Edgerton VFW. Frank and Vera enjoyed going to area dances and polka music. He was a life member of the Rock River Thresheree since 1955 and he enjoyed spending Labor Day weekend there each year. Last year was the 50th anniversary of the Rock River Thresheree and he never missed a year. He was also an avid race car fan and enjoyed watching the races on TV.

Frank always wore a cap, and in his life he wore many different caps. He was employed by the following, a farmer by day, Highway Trailer at nite, Louis Marsden Excavating, Vincent's Salvage, his own salvage yard, a foundry in Whitewater, they owned the Busseyville Store and he owned a Sanitary Engineering business. He was always willing to help others and could fix just about anything.

In later years he liked to putter in his shop making wishing wells and wind mill lawn ornaments. He was always busy.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Vera of Busseyville; daughter, Sheila & LaDon Lemke; son, Franklyn & Kay Schmeling; both of St. Germain, WI; daughter, Deborah & James Illbeck of Janesville; son, Kevin Schmeling of Busseyville (Friend, Linda Tews); 10 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; his sister-in-law, Irma Schmeling of Janesville; his brother & sister-in-law, Kenneth & Ardys Schmeling of Newville; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Warren and Howard Schmeling; and a great-grandson, Jarret McKenzie.

Funeral services will be held at 12 noon on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2006, at the Ehlert Funeral Home (ST. HWY. 51 S.), Edgerton, with Rev. Richard Lewis officiating. Burial will be in the Fassett Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday, Jan. 12, from 10 a.m. until the time of the services.

The family is being assisted by Ehlert Funeral Home, Edgerton (608-884-9466). In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a memorial or donations appreciated to the Janesville Hospice Inc or the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, WI or the Rock River Thresheree.

A special "Thank You" to all the staff & nurses at the Janesville Hospice and the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center in Fitchburg, WI. "You are all special People." "Frank was one of a kind, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him."

[Source: The Janesville Gazette, Wednesday, January 11, 2006]