May 13, 2020 – West Bend, WI – Francis “Frank” J. Tenfel of West Bend passed away Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at the age of 93.
He was born in Burlington, Wisconsin on December 8, 1926, to Frank and Helen Tenfel.
His biological father, Frank Tenfel, was killed in a tragic train accident along with 5-year-old brother, Francis, prior to his birth. His mother, Helen, then married Charles Felton and gave birth to 6 more children.
Charles was killed in a truck accident when Frank was 11. Raised in Waterford, WI, Frank graduated from Waterford Union High School, Class of 1945. Frank served in the US Navy during WWII on Iwo Jima, later being honorably discharged. He worked for AO Smith Corporation for 33 years, retiring in 1983.
Frank was an avid golfer all his life. This was absolutely his second love after his family. He was not just avid, but a scratch golfer for several years with many accomplishments: 6-time WSGA Senior Amateur Champion, 1976 Runner Up WI State Open, 1975 WSGA Governor’s Cup Champion, 2-time Runner Up in WI State Senior Open Championship, 3-time qualifier USGA Senior Amateur to name just a few. He was also a member of Rivermoor Country Club in Waterford for over 30 years, West Bend Country Club and The Bog.
Frank had a unique sense of humor and was the cause of many humorous experiences through-out his life. He always acknowledged you on or off the golf course, gave many tips and advice to those who asked about their golf game and dedicated many hours to practicing with and without his daughter, Kelly. Frank loved life and there were many a times you would here him singing Tony Bennett’s, “I Left my Heart in San Francisco”. He was a man that was rough around the edges at times but had a warm, sensitive heart.
Frank is survived by his loving wife, Patricia, of 55 years. He was a wonderful father to Lynda (Lyle) Swarthout, Frank Tenfel and Kelly (Darryl) Zellmer; a proud grandpa of Terry Swarthout, Kyle, Carson and Kenlyn Zellmer; great grandpa of Olivia and Noah Swarthout. He is further survived by in-laws, William K. Fitzgerald and Judith Fitzgerald Miller; dedicated uncle to numerous nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.
