Frederick Dobbratz

Madison-Frederick A. Dobbratz, age 89, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 19, 2012 at Oakwood Village East, Madison. He was born on December 2, 1922 in Watertown the son of Gehardt & Lilly (Loeffler) Dobbratz. Frederick was united in marriage with Ruth Schwefel on June 23, 1951 at First Lutheran Church, Burbank, CA. He grew up in Watertown being baptized and confirmed at St. John Ev. Lutheran Church, Watertown and graduating from Watertown High School as class president in 1940. He then attended and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1946, School of Engineering. Frederick moved to California to work for Lockheed Aircraft as a aeronautical engineer which he did for over 32 years retiring in 1978. His wife and he then moved back to Madison where he took a job assisting his brother in his business, Watertown Table Slide. Frederick was a person who was always involved with learning. In his spare time he was an accomplished tennis player, enjoyed hiking and mountain climbing (climbed Mt.Whitney twice), travelling, photography and computers. He is survived by his wife of 60 years Ruth; his sister, Marie Kleinsteiber; sisters-in-law, Marie Dobbratz and Ora (Louis) Kuckkan; brothers-in-law, Ruben (Margie) Schwefel, Wilmar (Daisy) Schwefel and John Schwefel; numerous nieces and nephews. Frederick was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Herman, Edward and Raymond; sister-in-law, Myrtle Hrobsky; brother-in-law, Roy Schwefel. A Memorial Service celebrating his life will be held on Friday, February 24, 2012 at 4:30 p.m. at Oakwood Village East, Tree of Life Chapel, 5565 Toncho Dr., Madison with Rev. Byron Bunge and Rev. David Susan officiating. A time of gathering will be held at the chapel on Friday from 3:30 p.m. until the time of service. Memorials may be directed to Oakwood Village Foundation, Inc., Immanuel Lutheran Church or the Alzheimer's & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin.