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 92 nd Birthday and 69 th 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 Arm 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.