Franklin Mcnutt

Cross Plains - Franklin "Frank" J. McNutt, age 81, born September 21st, 1929 in Ames, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, September 13, 2011. He was the only son of Samuel H. McNutt, DVM, and Adeline (Boutang), and was preceeded in death by his sisters Mary, Dorothy and Katherine.

The family moved to Madison where Frank graduated from Edgewood High School in 1947. He was awarded an undergraduate degree in sociology from UW-Madison, and continued on to Iowa State to study architecture. After several years of working in the field, Frank earned a Master's degree in architecture from Yale University.

After a lifelong career as an architect, he retired from Flad and Associates in 1997. At his retirement party, Frank was asked what his plans were for the future. He responded, "I'm always available for parties." Frank was a humorous and brilliant man who enjoyed gourmet cooking, good wine and many great friends. He loved jazz, especially the music of John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk and Charlie Parker. Good design, no matter the artist or the medium, engaged his senses. And, his sense of humor expressed in few words as only Frank could, captured everyone's attention.

Wisconsin's north woods were his escape--in particular the Loon Lake Lodge of Lake Gilmore near Minocqua. Throughout his life at his Cross Plains farm, Frank showed compassion for wildlife and cats in particular, and never turned a stray away.

Frank is survived by his nephew, Bill Hein and his wife, Connie; and extended family and friends. A celebration of Frank's life is scheduled for Blackhawk Country Club, 3606 Blackhawk Drive, Shorewood Hills on Sunday, September 25th from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The family has a private burial service planned.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be directed to the UW Hospital Carbone Cancer Center, the Dane County Humane Society and Wisconsin Public Radio.