Lawrence F. Fratzke

Lawrence F. Fratzke, 88, of Morton, formerly of East Peoria, went home to the Lord, surrounded by his loving wife, family, and pastor at 1:30pm, Saturday, October 26, 2013 at UnityPoint Methodist Medical Center, Peoria. Larry was born August 13, 1925 in Iowa to Paul J. and Amanda Hein Fratzke. He married his wife of 65 years, Dolores Hersemann June 20, 1948 in East Peoria at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church; she survives. Also surviving are their children, Ron (Lynda) Fratzke, Greenwood, IN and Jayne (Kerry) Henneberg, Morton; grandchildren, Justin (Quin) Fratzke, Gregory (Madison) Fratzke, Brad (Lyndsay) Bloomfield, Paige (John) Smillie, Brett (Christine) Henneberg, and Bryce Henneberg; four great-grandchildren; and siblings, Dale Fratzke, Darlene Posekany, Paul (Nancy) Fratzke, Jr., and Maxine (Robert) Oliverius. He was preceded in death by his parents, and an uncle and aunt, Leo and Fern Fratzke. Larry served his country during World War II in Patton’s Third Army- Eleventh Armored Division, fighting in the Battle of the Bulge. After returning from his service in the war, Larry completed the Caterpillar Apprentice Program. He enjoyed 40 years of employment with the company. He retired in 1981, with several patents to his credit. He was an active member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in East Peoria. He was also a member of the Veterans’ of Foreign Wars, Society of Automotive Engineers, and was an East Peoria Festival of Lights volunteer. He was honored to be part of the inaugural Central Illinois Honor Flight to the WWII Veterans’ Memorial in Washington DC. Larry had a passion for the intricate details of woodworking, sharing his talents and gifts with family and friends. He enjoyed trout fishing and vacationing in Branson, Missouri. Funeral services for Larry will be held at 10:30am, Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, East Peoria. Visitation will be held from 5:00pm-7:00pm, Tuesday, October 29, 2013 at Deiters Funeral Home & Crematory, East Peoria. Interment will be at Fondulac Cemetery, East Peoria. Pastor Kurt Mews will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church or to the Honor Flight Network. Larry’s memorial website is available at www.deitersfuneralhome.com, where condolences may also be sent to the family.

Lawrence F. Fratzke

August 13, 1925 - October 26, 2013