Robert Fratzke
December 17, 1918 ~ October 4, 2012
Robert A. Fratzke, 93, of Miller, passed away Thursday, October 4, 2012 at the Good Samaritan Society, Miller.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, October 9, 2012 at the First Presbyterian Church, Miller with Rev. Brian Jones officiating. Burial followed at Hillcrest Cemetery, Miller with military honors. Visitation was held from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., Monday, October 8, 2012 at Reck Funeral Home, Miller.
Robert was born December 17, 1918 at De Grey, South Dakota to Charles and Myrtle (Jones) Fratzke. One of ten children, he schooled and worked his early years in the De Grey area. During the depression years he worked on projects with the Civilian Conservation Corp. Robert joined the United States Army in November 1941 and was assigned to the 73rd engineers where he became an equipment operator on construction of the Al-Can highway. He later served in the European Theatre until March of 1945. After his tour of duty, he returned to South Dakota where would reside his entire life.
On February 12, 1944 he married Alice Hancock. To this union were born three children; Carl, Merle and Mary. Alice passed away at the early age of 44 due to cancer. Robert married Ruth Morrison in 1971.
Robert was involved in farming, ranching, logging and truck driving. After moving to Miller in 1966, he drove propane delivery trucks for Porter Gas and later Niederauer Oil Company until his retirement.
Robert was an avid fisherman and hunter; a passion he enjoyed sharing with others. Robert was fortunate to have lived in a period when a handshake was a man’s word and honor. He lived to see us transition from horse and buggies to shuttle launches to the moon.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth; his three children: Carl (Glenis) Fratzke, Merle (Bobbi) Fratzke and Mary (Graham) Lawrie; Ruth’s children: David, Sylvia and Duane; and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Alice; his parents-in-law; nine brothers and sisters: Bill, Vern, Ken, Elmer, Melvin, Ruth, Blanche, Mildred and Garnet; Alice’s six brothers and sisters: Warren, Lowell, Howard, Dorothy, Marian and Ethel.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the First Presbyterian Church, Miller.
Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Bob’s arrangements.
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Mary,
So sorry to hear that your dad passed away. May God wrap his loving arms around you and your brothers and sustain you in this time of grief. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Merle, Carl, and Mary, Phil and I extend our deepest sympathy to your whole family. We both have fond memories of your dad. Bob was Phil’s hay field boss at the Jennings ranch during the late 50’s (when Mary and I were just babes). And I have great memories of Bob, the propane man, having a candy treat with every delivery. We are holding you all close to our hearts.
Sincere sympathies from Mom and I to all of Uncle Bob’s family. “Good Lookin” was an awesome uncle as well as an individual and he will be truly missed.
Love and prayers to all.
We send our sympathies to all of Uncle Bob’s family. He was always one of my favorite! Always made me smile 🙂 “Hey Good Lookin” was usually his greeting when I would see him. Uncle Bob will be missed by many but will live on in our hearts and our memories. May God give you all guidance and the strength to get through this difficult time…
Love you all lots…
Brandy, Mike, Avery, Jadon, Morgan & Jarrett Boardman <3
What fun memories of the “bubble gum” man. May he rest in peace.
Sincerely, The Krick’s
For my Grandpa, who has been like my father figure all my life, thank you; thank you for your huge heart of gold, for always being there and for so many precious memories that I will treasure always! When I was little I remember looking up at you, so tall and strong and I felt safe, feeling that you must be as big as God! Now, in God’s loving care I know that you are safe, happy and healthy again. I love you always Grandpa! And God said “Welcome home my good and faithful servant, welcome home!” With love, Missy
To the Entire Fratzke Family, I send my Deepest Condolences at the loss of Robert.
My Father was Raymond Duane Hancock, Son of MAURICE & MABEL HANCOCK and I am his youngest Son, doing Family Research on the HANCOCK FAMILY, receiving information from JOANN BURNS & SHEILA DIXON HALL.
Bob delivered LP to our house, He was always friendly and we enjoyed our visits with him. We used a lot of LP so we saw him often in the winter. We have never forgotten him, may he rest in peace, job well done, thou kind and faithful servant.
Bob delivered LP to our house, He was always friendly and we enjoyed our visits with him. We used a lot of LP so we saw him often in the winter. We have never forgotten him, may he rest in peace, job well done, thou kind and faithful servant.
My sympathies to the family.Bob was a very friendly and easy going man. I did get to talk to him while I was visiting up home this summer in Miller at the home.My stepbrother Dave Blachford was playing music and Bob enjoyed music and dancing. Mostly remembered him from Jennings ranch.He sayed he remembered me. Again my sympathies
Know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this sad time. Hold tight to the memories that you shared with him.
Love to all