Deacon Frank Bruce Pemper

In Loving Memory

Deacon Frank B. Pemper

Deacon Frank B. Pemper, of West Allis, Wisconsin, passed away on Tuesday, February 11, 2026, at the age of 86. He was born on July 13, 1939, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Deacon Frank attended St. Jude the Apostle Parish Grade School and graduated from Pius XI High School. He later served in the United States Marine Corps Reserves and was honorably discharged in 1961. He worked in sales for 23 years with various companies before retiring in 1983. Following his retirement, he entered the baseball card and sports collectibles business with his son, Steve.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Lila; his daughter, Vicky; and his sons, Mark and Deacon Steve.

Deacon Frank was ordained to the Permanent Diaconate on December 26, 1975, by the Most Reverend Rembert G. Weakland, OSB, at St. John the Evangelist Cathedral. He was a member of the first class of permanent deacons ordained for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. In 1981, he received faculties to preach and to witness marriages.

He was initially assigned to St. Mary Help of Christians in West Allis, where he served faithfully for 20 years. In 1995, Deacon Frank and Lila moved to Las Vegas, where he continued his ministry in the Diocese of Las Vegas. Upon returning to the Archdiocese of Milwaukee in 2013, he was assigned to St. Florian and St. Margaret Mary, serving there for eight years. In 2024, he was assigned to St. Jude the Apostle, where he ministered until his passing. With 50 years of dedicated service, he was the longest-serving deacon in the history of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.

Throughout his ministry, Deacon Frank served in many capacities. He had a deep love for bringing the Eucharist to the sick, the homebound, and residents of nursing homes. He faithfully served at the altar and occasionally preached. He assisted in preparing parents for the baptism of their children, helped coordinate the religious education program at St. Mary Help of Christians Parish, and established a bereavement program at St. Margaret Mary Parish. He was a devoted promoter of novenas and held a strong and abiding devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was fitting that Deacon Frank passed away on the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. He served his final two years at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church, Wauwatosa.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 21, at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church, 734 Glenview Ave., Wauwatosa, from 10:30 AM-12:15 PM, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 12:30 PM.

Private family interment will be held at Chapel Hill Memorial Park, Greenfield.