Frank Hrovat

McFarland - Frank Hrovat died Monday, October 15, 2012. He was born September 30, 1924 in Milwaukee, WI to the late John and Theresa (Fink) Hrovat, both Slovenian immigrants.

He attended West Allis Central High School and served in the U.S. Army during WW II. Frank graduated from the University of Wisconsin and worked for the City of Milwaukee as a building inspector and the Wisconsin DILHR as a plan examiner prior to his twenty years with the Wisconsin DNR Department of Engineering.

He married the former Betty Reynolds in 1953 and together they raised five children in McFarland. He was a long time member of the McFarland Lutheran Church. Frank could often be found anywhere there was live polka or country western music playing. Over the years he shared his love of the outdoors with his children and grandchildren on afternoon hikes, camping in the state parks or playing a round of golf. Later, he also enjoyed taking the grand-dogs to the dog park or hiking down the tracks to Stoughton.

Frank showered his family, friends, and strangers with kindness; answered requests for help with an unhesitating yes; and walked humbly with his God.

Frank is survived by five children, Judy (David) Larson, Oconomowoc; Jerry Hrovat, McFarland; Cathy (David) Schwabauer, Lawrence, Kansas; Sandy Hrovat, Madison and Jeanne (Scott Staedter) Hrovat, Madison; eight grandchildren, Heather (Matthew) Brown, James (Ann Lagerlund) Larson, Rebecca Larson (Jeremy Kaiser), Elizabeth (Elliot) Sims, Matthew Schwabauer, Luke Hrovat-Staedter, Anna Hrovat-Staedter, and Kristjana Hrovat; three great-grandchildren, Sophia Brown, Nora Brown, and Killian Sims; sister Dorothy Hrovat; brother Joseph (Louise) Hrovat; sister-in-law Geraldine (Petersen) Hrovat; dear friend Eileen Klupper; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents; wife Betty; sister Mary Petersen; brothers John Hrovat and Albert Hrovat; brother-in-law Ralph Petersen; and nephew Bruce Hrovat.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, October 21, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. at the McFarland Lutheran Church, 5529 Marsh Rd., McFarland with the Rev. Tim Dean officiating. Burial will follow at Upper McFarland Cemetery. The family will greet friends at the Cress Funeral Home, 5801 Highway 51, McFarland on Saturday from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of services at the church.
Cress Funeral Services
5801 Highway 51
McFarland, WI 53558
(608) 838-0655