Frank Gilbert Holter Jr., age 86, of River Falls, Wisconsin, passed away on Sept. 25, 2025, at UW Health University Hospital in Madison.
Frank was born on July 12, 1939, in Frederic, Wisconsin, to Frank Sr. and Hattie (Pierson) Holter. He grew up in rural Danbury, Wisconsin, and graduated with the Class of 1957 from Webster High School. One of his first jobs was in plumbing and heating, which added to his skills in other crafts. He continued to refine and add to these skills that he would use throughout a long and productive career. His strong character, problem-solving ability, and quiet resilience reflected the discipline and steadfastness he carried throughout his life.
After working a variety of jobs, Frank found his career at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls, where he worked in multiple crafts, then as a maintenance supervisor and locksmith until his retirement. He also dedicated 43 years of service to the River Falls Fire Department, where his loyalty and courage made a lasting impact.
In 1962, he met the love of his life, Doris Langer. They were united in marriage on Sept. 18, 1965, at St. Mary’s Big River Catholic Church. They settled in River Falls and became members of St. Bridget Catholic Church. Together, they were blessed with six children: Dann, Mike, Michelle, Cheryl, Sandi, and Stephanie.
From 1963 to 1965, Frank proudly served his country in the United States Army, completing a tour in Vietnam.
A true outdoorsman, Frank loved hunting and fishing, spending time in the woods and in the Boundary Waters. He was a gifted craftsman and woodworker, creating many cherished keepsakes for his family. Frank enjoyed bowling and spending time with friends, always sharing his wit and good humor. He was an avid Packers, Brewers, and Badgers fan, always cheering on the teams. He had a keen sense of fairness, a strong moral compass, and a remarkable intelligence that often made him the one people turned to for solutions.
Above all, Frank was devoted to his family. He was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren, and he showed his love not so much through words, but through the countless ways he supported and cared for those around him.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Sr. and Hattie; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Emil and Margaret Langer; his grandparents; his brother, Larry; and a granddaughter, Hannah Ducklow.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Doris; his children, Dann (Sally) Holter, Mike (Gina) Holter, Michelle (Brent) Ducklow, Cheryl (Dave) Dintemann, Sandi (Matt) Zimbric, and Stephanie (Andrew) Holter-L’Allier; grandchildren, Eric, Nicholas, Jennifer, Lucas, Natalie, Katheryn, Frank, Emma, Noah, Hattie, Nina, Edgar, George, Charlie, Louis, Olive, Luna, Arlo, Aesa, and Tirfe; two great-grandchildren, Milliana and Vida; brothers, Bob (Odette) and Steve (Bonnie); nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, at St. Bridget Catholic Church in River Falls. Burial followed at St. Bridget Catholic Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of River Falls. To share a memory, please visit oconnellfuneralhomes.com.
