Francis T DeGrave

Francis T. "Fran" DeGrave, age 92 of East Troy, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday Morning October 7, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. After celebrating his 92nd Birthday and 69th Wedding Anniversary over the weekend, he asked God to kindly bring him home.
Born on October 4, 1933, in Burlington, Wisconsin, to Frank and Louise DeGrave, Fran was the youngest of three children. At age 12, he helped move his family and drive their cows from the Honey Creek area to what is known as the "family farm" on Army Lake Road where he enjoyed living his entire life. In addition to farming, he served as a Rural Letter Carrier for the US Postal Service for over 30 years, operated a "Vegetable Stand" with his family for over 34 years, and occasionally worked at Lake Beulah Golf Course.
Fran found his true love and sweetheart, Neva, while dancing at the Muskego Dandelion Park Ballroom. They were married on October 6, 1956, at St. Peter's Catholic church and together raised their 5 children on the family farm. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus for over 62 years and served as Financial Secretary of Lakeland Council #4579 for over 50 years. He unselfishly volunteered and supported his church and the East Troy community. His integrity and genuine compassion has touched the lives of all who knew or came in contact with him, including family relatives, friends, and even his son's college Phi Sigma Epsilon Fraternity brothers (Honorary Member).
In retirement, he passionately loved gardening, bowling, card parties with friends, dart ball, golf and woodworking. Most of all he loved spending time with family.
Fran is survived by his beloved and devoted wife Neva, his children Daniel(Mary), Denise(Mike) Saffran, David(Jill), Darrell(Kristen), Dennis(Karen), 14 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many, many friends. Fran was preceded in death by his parents, 3 grandchildren, a great grandchild, and his 2 sisters Norma (Peter) Naber and Marion (Roman Sr.) Henningfeld.
A funeral Mass will be held on Friday October 17, 2025 at 3:30pm with a visitation from 2pm until the time of the Mass, all at St. Peter's Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to St. Peter's Church, Knights of Columbus, or directly to the family toward planting a beautiful tree on the farm in Fran's memory, are suggested.
Legacy Funeral Services has the honor of serving the family.