Donald Frank

Donald (Don) Frank, age 90, passed away Monday, October 19, 2026 at Hillside Manor in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin.

Don was a life-long resident of Fox Lake, WI. He was born to Oscar and Ella Frank on November 5, 1935 in the old governor’s mansion on the edge of town. The family later moved to a farm on Hwy 33, 2 miles outside of Fox Lake. He lived there for the remainder of his life, most of it working as a dairy farmer. Don married his sweetheart, Dorothy (Thresher) on August 3, 1957. They had 5 children, Andrew John (Elizabeth), Katheryn (Kathy) Marie (Gregory) Schmitt, William (Bill) Richard (special friend Lulja Shabani), James Anthony (Cheri), and Mari Ella (Scott) Wilson. Don and Dorothy were blessed with 10 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 2 great, great grandchildren.

Don had many loves in his life. He loved God and was a lifelong member of Annunciation Catholic Church in Fox Lake.

Family was also very important to Don. His one and only sweetheart was Dorothy, and he took care of her until the day she passed at their home, from Alzheimer’s, on March 28, 2005. He was a great supporter of his children’s endeavors all through their lives.

Don discovered traveling when his kids were grown. He hosted young people from Bavaria, whom he met after one of his children spent a summer there as an exchange student. They would make his home their home base while they explored the USA. This connection led to him making trips to meet and visit relatives in Germany. He also visited Japan as well as Canada. Don also spent many winters in sunny California with James and his family.

History was another of Don’s loves. He was a member of the Fox Lake Historical Society and a founding member of the Dodge County Antique and Power Club. Bill and Don acquired many unique pieces of farm equipment, restored them, and often displayed them at the annual power show. John Deere was his preferred brand. Always.

In his later years, Don began writing stories about his upbringing and his agricultural roots. He compiled the writings into a book, entitled “This Life I’ve Lived.” A donated copy resides at the Fox Lake Public Library.

Don was usually a man of few words, but when he chose to speak, he was well worth a listen. He will be dearly missed.

Don is survived by his brother Robert Frank; his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

 He was preceded in death by his brother, Darrell (Lois); sister, Marlene and her husband, George Campnell; his sister-in-law, Bernie (Robert); a grandson; and his wife, Dorothy. 

Visitation for Don will take place on Friday, October 23, 2026 at Annunciation Catholic Church in Fox Lake from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m.. Burial will follow at Annunciation Catholic Cemetery, town of Trenton.

If desired, memorials in Don's name may be directed to Hillside Manor.