Roger O. Franz

Roger O. Franz, age 87, of Fond du Lac, formerly of Manitowoc, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, September 20, 2026 with family at his side.

Born in Manitowoc in June 1939, Roger attended Manitowoc schools and was a 1957 graduate of Lincoln High School. He served in the U.S. Army and Reserves from 1958-1964 and married his lifelong love and best friend, Eunice C. Schermetzler in April 1969. One daughter, Lori, completed their family.

Roger worked at Point Beach Nuclear Plant (WE Energies) and retired as the storeroom supervisor in 1996 after more than 25 years with the company. Prior to that, he worked for the Schuette Bros. Dept store in the carpeting and drapery department.

Gabby was a devoted bowler and softball player in his younger years and made many lifelong friends who later became part of the “golf group.” Gabby avidly followed the Packers, Brewers, and many other local, regional, and national sports. Over the years, he enjoyed golfing, fishing, and relaxing “up north” with family and friends.

Survivors include his wife, Eunice; daughter Lori (Michael) Burgess, Fond du Lac; granddaughter, Brianna Burgess (partner, Briar Cornelius), Orlando, Florida. Sister and brother in-law, Janice (Dennis) Olesewski, Shawano; brother Wayne “Skip” (friend Steve) Franz, Manitowoc. Brother in-law Leon (Kathy) Schermetzler, Manitowoc; sisters in-law LuAnn Kasza, London, Ontario; and Anne Schermetzler, Manitowoc. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Ilena Leider and John H. Franz; parents in-law, Norbert Sr. and Anna Schermetzler; brothers in-law and sisters-in-law, Lily and Robert Naidl, Norbert Schermetzler, Nadine Schermetzler, and Mike Kasza.

The family would like to thank the Vince Lombardi Cancer Center (Oshkosh) and the Aurora Fond du Lac care team for their patience and guidance over the last three years. Also, thanks to Aurora Hospice at Home and Senior Helpers of Fond du Lac for the compassionate care shown to Roger and his family over the last several months.

Cremation has taken place. Per Roger’s wishes, private family services will be held at a later date and internment will be at Calvary Cemetery & Chapel Mausoleum, Manitowoc.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, plant a tree of your choice in a special location or donate to your favorite local nonprofit.

 Online condolences may be shared at zacherlfuneralhome.com.