Obituaries : Dennis J. Fratzke

Dennis J. Fratzke

October 15, 1950 - March 31, 2021

Dennis Fratzke, loving husband, father, grandfather, and loyal Cubs fan passed away on March 31 in Iowa City after battling cancer.

The son of Aaron Fratzke and Eleanor Johnson Fratzke, Dennis was born in Independence. There he met his wife of 51 years, the former Sandra Simon when she skated into his heart at a roller rink. They married in 1969 and together had three children, Kelly, Daniel, and Dawn. They raised their children in Vinton, where they survived the loss of son Danny at a young age. Later in life, they moved to North Liberty, where illness forced him into retirement in 2020.

Dennis was a passionate fan of the Cubs, Bears, and Hawkeyes and an enthusiastic league softball player. Friends and family cherished his wry sense of humor. He worked hard throughout his life and showed his dedication to his wife and kids even in his final hours. He is reunited in heaven with his beloved Danny. Dennis is survived by his wife, Sandra, his children Kelly Fratzke-Blake (Eliot), Dawn Evans (Tom), three grandchildren, Nicholas, Zachary, and Eva, siblings Leslie, Vicki, Joann, Gary, and Doug, and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to Danny, he is predeceased by his parents and his siblings Kelly and Debbie.

No services have been planned at this time; a memorial will be held at a later date when we can gather together safely. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established. His family would like to thank the health professionals at UIHC, Iowa City Hospice, and Mercy Iowa City for caring for him this past year.

The family has established a memorial fund. Donations may be sent to: