Robert G. "Bob" Frankowiak

Frankowiak, Robert G. "Bob" Died unexpectedly on Thursday, February 2, 2017. Age 84 years. Best friend and soulmate of 43 years to Judye. (nee Chester). Loving father of Lisa (Fred) Przbelski and Alan (Judy) Deeg. Grandfather of Jason and Alison Przbelski. Survived by great-grandchildren and other friends and relatives. Bob was a self taught artist beginning with winning the Milwaukee Journal Calendars before graduating from Pulaski High School in 1951. He joined the U.S. Army and served during the Korean conflict. Upon completing service he secured a position in the Birds and Mammals Division of the Milwaukee Public Museum where he worked under the supervision of the renowned artist, Owen J. Gromme. In 35 years with the museum, Bob painted over 47 murals and diorama backgrounds depicting wildlife ecology of Africa, Central America and North America, traveling extensively to collect specimens and painting afield. He rose from staff artist to become the museum's art director in 1984. Bob retired in 1990. Bob has created cover designs and illustrations for prominent national and international magazines, books and other wildlife publications. He won the 1980 Wisconsin Trout Stamp and the 1988 Wisconsin Turkey Stamp competitions. Bob was the second finalist for the Wisconsin state quarter design competition. His bird paintings have been exhibited in "Birds in Art" at Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, the Philadelphia Academy of Arts and Science Wildlife Art Show and he was a frequent exhibitor at the Milwaukee Sentinel Sport Show Art Exhibit. Since his retirement, he continued to paint murals commissioned by sponsors such as Cabela's and The Kettle Moraine Natural History Center, as well as private collectors. Memorial Visitation at the Funeral Home on Monday, February 6, from 4-7PM. Private inurnment. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Milwaukee Public Museum Exhibits and Graphics Department.