Frank E. Drechsler

1923 - 2015

Drechsler, Frank E.

The Drechsler family bid farewell to its patriarch, Frank Erhardt, on August 13, 2015. Butch, Bro, Gramps, Daddio, "Mr. America," Tiger, Frankie—whatever you called him, he charmed you, asked if you were behaving yourself, and flashed his winsome grin. Ninety-two years young, Frank could not easily remember what happened yesterday, but he loved his Jeanie and this loud family they created 'til death. A dashing naval aviator, leader of epic stuffed animal and dinosaur parades, greeter to all, vocalist and trumpeter extraordinaire in numerous bands and choirs—our Frank.

Born in Chicago on April 27, 1923, to Frank and Jennie (Carlson) Drechsler, he graduated from Austin High School, Class of 1941. An alumnus of the University of Illinois, Frank was a lifelong Illini fan. On May 5, 1945, he and his high school sweetheart, Jean Lois Gunderson, tied the knot in Chicago and commenced 64 glorious years of marital bliss.

Frank joined the United States Navy in 1943, and proudly served on active duty from 1943-46 and 1952-54. An aviator in World War II and the Korean War, the Commander often regaled his family with stories of flying sub hunters and fighter planes off the U.S.S. Princeton in the Western Pacific. He retired from the Navy reserves in 1971—and began putting his flight helmets on his grandchildren shortly thereafter.

Frank's career in food chemistry and technology began between the wars. He worked for Wilson and Company, Universal Foods, John Sexton and Company, and Borden Foods. Although unconfirmed, Frank claimed his sweetness was integral in the development of Wyler's signature lemonade.

Frank and Jean resided in Illinois, California, Texas, and Indiana before settling in Sheboygan in 1979 at 3406 N. 11th Street, where Frank became unofficial mayor of the neighborhood. An active member of Wesley United Methodist Church, he lent his melodic baritone to the choir. Frank and Jean actively volunteered at the Sheboygan Food Pantry. In their retirement years, they enjoyed traveling the United States with senior citizen tours.

Preceded in death by his dear Jean and beloved sister Genevieve Knights, Frank is celebrated by son Richard (Mary) of Oak Lawn, IL, daughter Nancy (Gordon) Hubbard of Sheboygan, and son Thomas (Jennifer) Drechsler of San Francisco, CA. Frank is also fondly remembered by his six grandchildren: Marybeth (Sean), Adam, Jeanine (Rick), Paul (Megan), Deanne (Vinay) and Miles; as well as four great-grandsons: Grant, Charlie, Patrick, and Colton.

A celebration of Frank's life and naval service will be held Monday, August 17, at 11:00am at Wesley United Methodist Church. A visitation will occur at 10:00am, immediately preceding the service.

Donations would be appreciated for the memorial fund established in Frank's name. Frank's family extends their sincere thanks to the caregivers—Frank's "babes"—at Libby's House/Waterford at Plymouth.

Rest well, big guy.