Anderson Funeral Home
Homeserving families for over 70 years
312 South Stone St.
Augusta, WI 54722
715-286-2222
Frankie Pape
Frankie Pape, 70, a lifelong resident of Lake Eau Claire in rural Augusta, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, April 2, 2026.
Frankie was born on February 26, 1956, the son of Frank and Lucille (Hovde) Pape. As a young boy he attended Augusta Elementary and Augusta High School.
Throughout his life, Frank’s career passion was working as a mechanic. He was employed at Perkovich’s Rodell Garage, Heekin Can, Mail Source, all in Augusta, and Silver Springs Gardens in Eau Claire.
It was at Mail Source that he met Katie Denning Hendricks. The two were united in marriage on July 4, 1998, at his home on Lake Eau Claire. It was then that Frankie inherited an immediate large family where he was warmly welcomed by Katie’s children and grandchildren. Together they built a life filled with simple joys, often spending time on the pontoon or looking out their front window at the lake, enjoying its beauty and the many activities it brought throughout the seasons.
Frankie’s main passion in life was his deep love for music and was a talented bass guitar player. Over the years he played in several local bands, including the Cadillac Cowboys, Blue Roam, and Bonafide, performing throughout the Augusta and Eau Claire area until his health no longer allowed him to continue.
Known for his friendly nature, Frankie was truly a friend to all. Even during his retirement, he enjoyed staying active and working at the Woodland Store near the lake, where he continued to visit with friends and neighbors. Frankie loved Lake Eau Claire immensely and was so proud to have been born and ultimately passed in the same home on the lake.
Frankie will be dearly missed by his sisters, Patricia Schwoch and Vicki Bruder, both of Augusta; three stepdaughters, Lori (Joe) Bechtel of Augusta, Angel (Shannon) Zimmerman and Mandy (Jayme) LeMere, both of River Falls; six grandchildren, Justin (Katy) Bechtel, Erika Crotty, Josh (Mandy) Zimmerman, Nick (Karalee) Zimmerman, Ashley (Jake) Johnson, and Bailey (Emily) Mayer; twelve great-grandchildren; Katie’s siblings, Sheila (Gary) Walsh of Prescott, and Lloyd (Deb) Denning Jr. of Eau Claire; along with several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.
Frankie was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Lucille; his wife, Katie, on December 23, 2023; grandson Landon LeMere; brothers-in-law Dean Bruder and Harvey Schwoch; and Katie’s parents, Lloyd and Leila Denning.
A Celebration of Life is planned for Friday, May 29th at the Hideaway Bar & Grill on Lake Eau Claire. The visitation will take place from 4:00-6:00pm, a time for sharing stories at 6:00pm and Frankie’s dear friends and bandmates, Bonafide, will play after. Please join us for a celebration to remember Frankie.
Online condolences can be left at www.andersonfhaugusta.com
