Roger “Rod” L. Frahm, 71, of Athens, beloved husband of Kristin (Strengberg) Frahm for 52 years and loving father of Jason passed away on Sunday, September 2, 2018, peacefully at home surrounded by wife, Kris, son, Jason, and daughter-in-law, Liz after an 18 month courageous battle with lung cancer.Roger was born on January 2, 1947, in the town of Bern, to Leonard Sr. and Delores (Dietsche) Frahm. He was the fourth of eleven children. Roger attended Athens Public and Catholic Schools. In March 13, 1965 he met Kristin and they eloped on May 28, 1966. They were still teenagers, but were young and in love. On April 18, 1971 their only child Jason was born.
After their marriage they moved to the suburbs of Milwaukee, West Allis, and Greendale before settling in Muskego. Roger joined the James Luterbach Construction Company and spent his entire working life there. He joined the Operating Engineers Local Union in 1968. He loved his job and it taught him to operate numerous pieces of equipment and he was great at all of them.
In 2002 at the age of 55 he was able to retire due to his wonderful union pension. Together Roger and Kristin spent 3 years in Elk Mound before building their home on Bergmann Road in Athens. He loved his years since retirement and loved being back in the country and in Athens.
He started every day with coffee, bacon and eggs, and stir fry, watching the birds on the deck, and Morning Express with Robin Meade on HLN. He then went outside until suppertime, where he worked in his shed on who knows what. He was great with tools, engineering, and building things.
He loved working in his vegetable garden, watching old westerns on TV, and listening to country music. He enjoyed Monday night sheepshead at the Landmark Bar in Athens with family and friends. He loved birdwatching, especially chickadees. But his main passion was collecting guns and hunting, especially deer. He enjoyed cutting the wood they heated their house with in the fireplace. He enjoyed collecting and making maple syrup. He spent much time taking care of land on Dawson Road for Colleen Dawson of West Allis. He loved cooking and baking. He was the cook at the hunting shack and everyone was ready for seconds, especially venison.
Roger and Kris did much traveling to the south, southwest, and northwest, but were happiest in their little home on Bergmann Road. They were soulmates from the day the met and she will love him forever.
Roger was a kind and generous man who was always willing to lend a helping hand.
Roger is survived by his wife, Kristin “Kris” (Strengberg) Frahm; son, Jason (Liz) Frahm of Madison; brothers, Leonard Jr. (Gloria), Calvin Sr. (Nancy), Dennis (Shirley), Schanon Sr. (Angie), David Sr. (Connie), Rick (Sue), Jeff (Carmen), Kim (Kim), and Perry (Linda). He is further survived by many cousins, a couple of remaining uncle, many nieces and nephews, and a special sister in law Marsha Strengberg (Max) Duellman of Stetsonville, they had a special connection, and of course his cats Oscar and Linnea.
He was preceded in by his parents, sister, Karen (Dan) Duellmann, and his nephew Paul Frahm and his mother and father in law Mike (Audrey) Strengberg.
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Per Roger’s request cremation rites have been accorded and memorial gathering for family and friends will take place at a later date.
The family of Roger would like to thank the wonderful people at Aspirus Wausau Cancer Center, Dr. Niaz Haque, his nurse Kelly, and his special chemo nurses Allison and Britta. The people of Aspirus Home Hospice have been wonderful and caring for the past few weeks.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Roger’s name may be given to the New Life Pet Adoption Center of Marathon.
Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com
