Frank Jon Maletzke III, 83, of Winneconne, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2026, at Aurora Medical Center, surrounded by the love of his family.

Frank was born on September 7, 1942, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Frank Lindor and Hazel (Marshall) Maletzke. While he wore many titles throughout his life - soldier, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, volunteer, friend - the role he treasured most was being the heart of his family.

On June 29, 1963, Frank married the love of his life, Joy Luebke. Together they built a life rooted in faithfulness, laughter, hard work, and unconditional love. For nearly 63 years, they shared life's joys and challenges side by side, creating a family that became Frank's greatest source of pride.

Frank believed in serving something bigger than himself. He proudly served for 27 years in the Wisconsin National Guard's Red Arrow 32nd Division and the U.S. Army Reserve, retiring as a Command Sergeant Major in 1988. The values he learned through military service - integrity, commitment, and dedication - guided him throughout his life. He carried those same values into his career at Applied Power and its divisions, including Bear Automotive, Enerpac, and Gardner Bender, where he spent nearly three decades before retiring in 2008.

But those who knew Frank will remember him less for his titles and more for his heart.

Frank never hesitated to lend a hand, offer a ride, share a story, or make someone feel welcome. He devoted more than 20 years to volunteering with Special Olympics and continued serving others by driving for Advocap after retirement. Helping people wasn't something Frank did, it was simply who he was.

He found joy in life's simple pleasures. He loved old cars, especially his treasured 1951 Pontiac Chieftain, and enjoyed motorcycles, duck hunting, and many spirited games of sheepshead with lifelong friends. He cherished his years as a Scout leader, helping guide his sons and many other young people. He could often be found sharing stories, laughing with family, or enjoying two of his favorite treats: ice cream and jellybeans.

Above all, Frank loved his family. He was a steady presence, a source of wisdom, and a man whose quiet strength could always be counted on. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren knew him as someone who showed up, cared deeply, and loved without reservation. The lessons he taught, through both his words and his example, will continue to live on in all of them.

Frank is survived by his beloved wife, Joy; his children, Jeffrey (Penny Gerner), Renee (Michael) Cveykus, Cheryl Rivas, and Steven Maletzke; his grandchildren, Nicole (Clint) Soulier, Erin (Charles) Bettag, Brandon Hackley, Travis Hackley, Austin Hackley, Michael Cveykus Jr., Leeah (Nick Tollefson) Rivas, and Baylee (Kevin) Estrada; and his great-grandchildren, Dominic, Leo, George and Edward Bettag, and Emery and Stella Soulier. He is also survived by his sisters, Janice Hintz and Joyce (Doug) Johnson; his brothers, Alan (Ruben Moreno) Maletzke and Brian (Kaye) Maletzke; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Kay Housum.

A memorial service with Military Honors will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Mueller Funeral Home, 904 E. Main Street, Winneconne. Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established in Frank's honor.

The measure of a life is found in the people it touches. Frank's life was one of generosity, loyalty, service, and love. His family was his greatest accomplishment, and his memory will continue to live on in every story shared, every lesson remembered, and every gathering where his absence is felt but his presence remains. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.