Franklin Karrels

Mr. Franklin Karrels of Port Washington passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, with his family and loving wife by his side. He was 91 years old.

Franklin was born in the Town of Port Washington on March 12, 1933, the son of John and Barbara (nee Prom) Karrels.

Following his schooling, Frankie enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served in Germany.

 On June 9, 1956, Franklin was united in marriage with Annabelle Large at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Port Washington. The couple settled in Port and raised their family of four children.

Frankie had been employed as a welder and worked in the parts department at Simplicity Manufacturing for more than 38 years, retiring in 1995.

He was a faithful member of St. John XXIII Catholic Parish and an active member of VFW 5373, where he was an integral part of the honor guard and served as chaplain for many years.

Always one to give back to the community, Frankie was a driver with Port Washington Ambulance Service for 10 years and Ozaukee County Rescue Squad for 15 years, volunteered with the Harbor Rescue Service and donated more than 25 gallons of blood as a blood donor.

His hobbies included gardening, woodworking, golf, hunting, fishing, playing cards (especially sheepshead), occasional casino junkets with his wife and feeding the squirrels and birds in his backyard.

He was a fantastic all around handyman, and there was nothing he couldn’t fix. If something presented a stubborn problem, Frankie would work on it until he found the solution.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife Annabelle, their daughter Joann (Jerry) Berres, sons Jim (Terri) and Mike (Kathy Weiland), son-in-law Perry (the late MaryAnn) Perkins and eight grandchildren, Stacie (Jesse) Keller, Chelsea, Chaney and Curry (Meghan) Perkins, Elizabeth and Olivia Karrels and Adam and Aaron Chier.  Frankie is further survived by two great-grandchildren, Taylor and Tyson Keller, sisters-in-law Anne Karrels and Erma Large-Wollen, nieces, nephews, other family members and many friends.

He was preceded in death by daughter MaryAnn, brothers Wilfred (the late Dorothy), Leroy and Oliver (the late Janet)and sisters Lorraine (the late Victor) Weyker, Adeline (the late Joe) Bolz and Janet (the late Peter) Becker, as well as brother-in-law Edwin Large.

A private family service has been held.

Memorials in Frankie’s name can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org/ ).   

Eernisse Funeral Home is honored to assist the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.