Franklin Arnold Frank Weeks, 90, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 10, 2026.
Born on Dec. 3, 1935, during the Great Depression, Frank was raised on a Wisconsin farm without electricity or running water. Those humble beginnings instilled in him a remarkable work ethic, perseverance, and an endless curiosity that would define his life.
On May 6, 1959, Frank married the love of his life, Mary Wittmer. Shortly after their wedding, they moved to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, where Frank proudly served in the U.S. Army. During their two years there, they welcomed their first son, Arnold. After returning to Wisconsin, their family grew with the births of Randy and Lori.
Frank possessed an extraordinary entrepreneurial spirit and an uncanny ability to recognize opportunity. In 1966, he founded Design Homes, growing it into one of the Midwest s leading home building companies. Over the years he pursued many successful ventures, DH satellite, radio stations and the development of Deer Valley Golf Course and Lodge in Barneveld, Wisconsin a project he often described as “the most fun project of my life.”
Frank believed in hard work, lifelong learning, and treating people with kindness. He was an instrument rated jet pilot and artist. He was a builder in every sense of the word building businesses, friendships, and a life he was proud to share with his family.
Frank lived a fun and vibrant life, leaving behind a legacy of vision, determination, generosity, and love that will continue to inspire those who knew him.
He considered himself fortunate not because of what he built, but because of the family he loved.
Frank is survived by his wife, Mary Weeks, his children, Randy (Shelly) Weeks, Lori (Jeff) Irvine, his grandchildren, Amber (Travis) Elvert, Bill Weeks, Angelina (Joe) Paquette and Sean Irvine, his great-grandchildren, Grady, Garrett and Graelyn Elvert; his brother Roger Weeks and sister Annette (Tony) Guldenaar, a sister in Law Lily Shulner and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son Arnold Weeks, his father Arnold Weeks, his mother Bertina Mikkelson, step-father Clifford Mikkelson, father and mother- in- law William and Augusta Wittmer, sister Beverly Cram, brother-in-law Ramon Cram, brother-in-law Dennis Schulner, and sister-in- law Carole Weeks.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 21, at noon at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Prairie du Chien. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations made in Frank’s name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Rivers and Bluffs Animal Shelter in Prairie du Chien. The Garrity Funeral Home of Prairie du Chien is assisting the family. www.garrityfuneralhome.com
