Frank R. Derginer

Frank R. Derginer, 92, of Sturgeon Bay passed away peacefully at Door County Medical Center, Sturgeon Bay, WI on July 14, 2026.

Frank was born on August 13,1933, in Green Bay, WI, the son of Frank Sr. and Lois (Eisch) Derginer. Frank attended Green Bay Central Catholic and East High School and then enlisted in the Air Force at age 17 and served during the Korean Conflict. Frank was very proud to have served his country and had many stories to tell. He had particularly fond memories of his time in England at RAF Burtonwood.

When Frank returned from the Air Force in 1954, he worked for the Green Bay and Western Railroad, working on diesel engines. He quickly discovered he didn’t like being dirty and full of grease all the time, so he began his career in TV and electronics. He often spoke of selling some of the first TVs in Green Bay and was a whiz at fixing tube TVs. He eventually started his own business, Packerland Communications. After retiring from the electronics/communication business, he drove coach buses for Lamers Bus Lines until age 86 when health issues forced him to end his favorite job. While working for Lamers, he was very proud to be able to train new drivers and teach them the “safe way” to drive coach. His favorite trips were to Branson, MO and Brewer games.

On December 31, 1976, Frank married Mary Trotzer, and they enjoyed forty nine years of marriage building a life together. Together they spent many hours boating on the bay and the Great Lakes. After spending so much time on the boat in Sturgeon Bay, Frank always hoped to one day live there. That hope became reality in 2021 when he and Mary were able to purchase a home and move to Sturgeon Bay. He spent many hours looking out the windows watching boats and ships travel down the canal and cars speed down the highway. He took pleasure in announcing how many times traffic was backed up. His favorite trip was to Door County Coffee to buy some of his favorite coffee.

Frank was a man with many hobbies. He was a long time member, and recently the most senior member, of the Green Bay Yacht Club and served multiple terms as Fleet Captain. He was a past member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and taught the safe boating class for many years. He was also a member of the EAA where he helped organize many Young Eagle flights and volunteered at the annual convention. Frank got his private pilot license in his fifties and purchased a partnership in a CESSNA 172. He also found time to build and play with RC planes and model railroads, which his children and grandchildren spent hours running on his track layout in the basement.

Frank’s greatest pride was his family. He enjoyed spending time with them and complaining that they never stayed around long enough.

Frank is survived by his wife Mary (Trotzer) Derginer. His children, daughter Debra Kuss, son Doug (Sally) Derginer, son Matthew (Rachel) Derginer, and son Joshua (Lydia) Derginer. His grandchildren, Taylor (Matthew) Newbury, Bradi Derginer, Landon (Kati) Derginer, Tyler Derginer, Jennifer Derginer, Martin Derginer, Adalynn Derginer, and great-grandchild Peyton Derginer. He is also survived by his brother Robert Derginer, brother-in-law James (Toni) Trotzer, and brother-in-law Bill (Cheryl) Trotzer. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews. Frank was preceded in death by his parents Frank Sr. and Lois (Eisch) Derginer, father and mother-in-law Roger and Betty (Hoeft) Trotzer, son Daniel Derginer, daughter DeeAnna Klutz, and sister-in-law Rita Derginer.

The family would like to thank the staff at Door County Medical Center for the loving care he received during his stay.

A funeral service will be held for friends and family on July 27 at Pilgrim Congregational Church, 991 Pilgrim Way Green Bay. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. with service at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Pilgrim Congregational Church.