Frank Metz

Frank Metz of Fredonia, Wis., passed away peacefully in the early hours on Wednesday, March 31, 2021, with his family at his side.  

He was born in Port Washington, Wis., on June 3, 1935, to Marie (Norman) Metz and spent many of his 85 years as an integral part of the community in which he lived.

He attended Messmer High School and Marquette University, earning his degree in accounting, and achieved CPA certification.  

His career started with Price Waterhouse before joining Simplicity Manufacturing as controller at the request of his mentor Bill Niederkorn. In 1971, he joined Port Washington State Bank, serving as executive vice president, CFO and trust officer before retiring in 2000.  

After retirement, he served on the PWSB board of directors and volunteered his time and financial expertise at St. John XXIII Catholic Parish and School.

He was one of the founding members at St. Peter of Alcantara Catholic Parish in 1966.  

Frank served many years on the Port Washington Harbor Commission, was involved in the Port Washington-Saukville Rotary Club, Community Education Foundation of Port Washington-Saukville Inc., senior choir and garden club.

Frank’s longtime best friend Bob Shaw introduced him to Catherine Whipp from Erin, Wis. On Sept. 9, 1961, they married and immediately settled in Port Washington, where they raised their family. Catherine passed away in 2009.

In 2012, Frank married Barbara Swietlik and together they enjoyed traveling, the company of family and friends and a good Korbel Manhattan before dinner!

His legacy will continue through his wife Barbara and children Michael (Corey) Metz of Reston, Va., Susan Clark-Metz of Lancaster, Wis., Karen Levesque of Oregon, Wis., Steve (Darlene) Metz of Oshkosh, Wis., Janet (Trevor) Wheeler of Buckeye, Ariz, and Peter (Natalie) Metz of Germantown, Wis.  

He is further survived by his sister Marion (Gil) Gultch of Waterford, Wis.; sisters-in-law Mary Ann Felix and Barbara Granzow; grandchildren Noah Metz, Emily Levesque, Bridget Wheeler, Ella Metz, Erin Wheeler, Owen Wheeler, Luke Metz and Jeremiah Metz; and Barbara’s children Walter, Susie, Sally and Michael.

Frank will forever be remembered for his warm smile, generous spirit and kind mannerisms. Family, faith and service were tenets of his life well-lived.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 8, 2021, at St. John XXIII Catholic Parish, St. Peter of Alcantara Church, 1800 N Wisconsin St., Port Washington, WI 53074, with Father Patrick Wendt presiding.   

Preceding the Mass on Thursday, the family will receive visitors at Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington, from 1 to 4 p.m.  

Frank will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Port Washington.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. John XXIII School or Parish, the Port Washington Historical Society or a charity of your choice are appreciated.

Eernisse Funeral Home of Port Washington is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.