Robert William Fratzke

1937 - 2026

Robert William Fratzke

February 7, 1937 - February 14, 2026

JESUP – Robert William Fratzke passed away on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at home, at the age of 89. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. – Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the American Lutheran Church, Jesup, IA. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until service time Thursday at the church. Burial will be at Zion Lutheran – Jubilee Cemetery, rural LaPorte City, IA. Online condolences may be posted at www.White-MtHope.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are being directed to: Care Initiatives Hospice or American Lutheran Church of Jesup.

Bob was born on February 7, 1937, in Independence, Iowa. He attended Jesup Community School.

He worked at John Deere and was a bus driver for Jesup Community schools for a few years. He was engaged in farming with Walter Harting, his father-in-law, on Walter's century farm, along with his son, Rocky. Bob later purchased a farm of his own. He raised cattle and many hogs, which was his favorite. In 2000, he was presented with the Senior Pork Producer award in Buchanan County.

On August 30, 1958, Bob married the love of his life, Eleanor Harting. They recently celebrated their 67-wedding anniversary. Bob adored Eleanor and loved her and his family beyond measure.

Bob and Eleanor traveled all the states, and Mexico. They enjoyed every minute of their time away, worked hard, played hard he said. Family vacations were the best! Another favorite was attending Iowa Hawkeye football and basketball games. They were season ticket holders for the Iowa Hawkeye basketball games.

Bob had a passion for what he called pickup trucks and new cars, especially his red, Mustang convertible. He would pick up his friend Richard, and they would head down to the B and B farm store for coffee with the guys. He passed this passion for cars on to his kids and grandkids. He wanted to make sure they had the car of their choice when they turned 16. Bob was a very caring and generous man and will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor.

He was a former member of the Jesup Country Club, Elks Club, Beef and Pork Producers, Zion Lutheran church and presently a member of the American Lutheran church.

Bob is survived by his wife, Eleanor; daughter, Ronda Fratzke of Jesup, daughter, Robin (Dean) Peterson of Center Point, Iowa. Four grandchildren, including two special grandsons, Hunter Peterson of Center Point, Iowa, and Logan Peterson of Cedar Rapids and three great grandchildren; one brother, Harold (Elaine) Fratzke of Clear Lake, Iowa.

He is preceded in death by his son, Rocky Robert Fratzke; his parents, Kurt and Grace Fratzke; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Donald (Sharon) Fratzke and William (Ida) Fratzke. A special father-in-law, Walter Harting.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Care Initiative Hospice team for their loving care of Bob.

White Funeral Home, Jesup, Iowa, is in charge of the arrangements.