Frank Raufeisen

Frank Raufeisen peacefully reunited with his beloved wife, DeDee, on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at the remarkable age of 101. He was an amazing man and lived a full life.

Born in New York on Saturday, July 5, 1924, he was the son of the late Joseph Sr. and Marie Raufeisen. Joseph Sr. and Marie, originally from Switzerland, relocated back to Zurich during Frank’s early years, where Frank pursued his education. At the age of 18, he fulfilled his military obligation by joining the Swiss Armed Forces during WWII.

In 1947, at the age of 23, Frank made the pivotal decision to immigrate back to the United States, arriving at Ellis Island aboard the Marine Lynx. He learned English by engaging with local delicatessens on the East Coast, quickly picking up words such as "ham" and "chicken." Shortly after he arrived, Frank’s younger brother, Robert, joined him the United States. Frank and Robert embraced their new life, enjoying various adventures as young men in a foreign land. Eventually, his parents and two brothers immigrated as well.

Frank met the love of his life, Doris, affectionately known as "DeDee," in New Haven, Connecticut. The couple married there on August 29, 1953, and together they welcomed two sons, Peter and Eric. The family resided in multiple locations before ultimately settling in Madison, Wisconsin.

Frank worked as a refrigeration engineer and designed the first refrigerated curved bakery case in the United States. Frank retired at the age of 75.

In his early 60’s Frank joined the WI Ski Patrol at Devils Head where he skied, taught refresher courses and brought toboggans down the hill well into his 80’s. After his retirement, Frank volunteered at the Madison Zoo, where he became well known as the train engineer.

Preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Sr. and Marie, brothers Joseph Jr., Robert and Alfred and son Peter.

Frank is survived by his son, Eric, and daughter-in-law, Jeannette, as well as grandchildren, Jessica Hallstrom, Heather Raufeisen, and Brianna Redieske, along with eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends, who will remember him fondly.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at St. Croix Hospice, Cardinal View Senior Living, the Culp family and Chris Nodolf for their love and care of Frank.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, September 27th, 3:00PM at Cress Funeral & Cremation Service, 3610 Speedway Rd, Madison WI.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the American Stroke Association (https://www.stroke.org/)

Cress Funeral Home

3610 Speedway Road Madison

608-238-3434