Frank V. Kreitzer, 92, of Wauwatosa (originally from Racine), passed peacefully on Thursday, March 6th, surrounded by family, after a brief illness.

Frank was a retired radiologist and a consummate family man, who enjoyed nothing more than spending quality time with family and friends.  In his later years, he always prioritized time with his grandchildren and was a fixture at their many school and sporting events.  He loved being in nature and enjoyed working long days at his “farm” in Palmyra, mowing acres of grass on his tractor and clearing truckloads of brush, until shortly before his passing.

He adored his wife Nan through their 53 years of marriage, until her passing in 2020, and he shared his bounteous wisdom with his children and grandchildren over many a four hour dinner.  He treasured his extended family and his Catholic faith.  His kind, generous, and good-natured presence will surely be missed.

Frank was a graduate of Saint Catherine’s High School in Racine, where he played football.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, stationed for several years in Germany.  He was a pre-med student at Marquette University and a graduate of the Medical College of Wisconsin, where he later served as an associate faculty member.  His career in medicine included a private group practice as well as positions at Milwaukee County General Hospital, Children’s Hospital, Saint Anthony’s Hospital and, later, Saint Mary’s Hospital Ozaukee County, where he was also involved in planning a phase of their expansion. 

In his free time, he loved to sing (bass), and he performed over the span of many decades in a barbershop quartet, as well as singing in the Christ King choir, where he was a longtime parishioner.  He was also an avid kayaker and hunter, always enjoying the camaraderie of his buddies and his time in nature.  Gardening, painting and photography were some of his other hobbies.  He spent countless hours tinkering and could pretty much fix anything with a couple trips to the hardware store.

He enjoyed traveling afar, visiting his kids in New Mexico and Florida and venturing to places throughout Wisconsin, including trips “up north” with this grandchildren.  He was a life long learner and had an extensive and eclectic knowledge base.  He enjoyed great food, drink and conversation, and it wasn’t unusual for him to seek out new restaurants to try, both near and far.  He was an avid Green Bay Packer fan and enjoyed traveling to Green Bay for a few games a year and, boy, he was sure to watch each game to the “bitter end”!

The son of two Croatian immigrants, he carried a deep connection to his heritage throughout his life.  He made several heartfelt journeys to his ancestral homeland, immersing himself in the culture, traditions, and landscapes that shaped his family's story.  Each visit was a profound experience, as he found himself surrounded by the warmth of his roots and the spirit of his ancestors, feeling very much at home in a place that echoed his identity.

He had a sly sense of humor that often caught people off guard, leaving them grinning in amused disbelief.  Known till the very end for his mind-bending 'Frankisms,' his clever quips and profound observations became a source of both laughter and reflection for those around him. 

He loved his country, cherished freedom and was grateful for all the opportunities and experiences life had given him.  In his final days he surrendered himself, resolutely, into God’s loving hands. 

Frank is survived by his three children Matthew Kreitzer, Kristin Kreitzer (John Berube), and Jennifer (Bradley) O’Keef; his grandchildren Conor and Flannery O’Keef; 3 brothers-in-law, 2 sisters-in-law, 9 nieces and nephews and their spouses, and many loving life-long friends.  He is preceded in death by his wife Nan (nee Heidenreich); parents Matthias and Frances Kreitzer (nee Ribaric); sisters and brothers-in-law Mary (Ray) Carolan and Ann (Jerry) Sadowski; sister Rose Kreitzer; brother-in-law Gregg Heidenreich; and sister-in-law Frances Heidenreich (nee LeRose).

Visitation will be held at 10am on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at Christ King Church (2604 N. Swan Blvd, Wauwatosa), followed by a funeral mass at 11am. Burial to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Christ King Parish: https://www.christkingparish.org/