Franklin P. Keitzer, 73, of Rochester, passed at 10:24 am, Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025 at Parkview Regional Medical Center of Ft. Wayne.
Frank was born on September 7, 1951 in Monterey, Indiana to the late Paul Joseph and Ellen Louise (Reinholt) Keitzer. He grew up on the family farm. A graduate of Rochester High School, Frank built a life rooted in hard work. He married to Ruby Manns Keitzer, they shared 34 years together. Then on September 3, 2019, he married Yvonne D. Foster in Rochester. She preceded him in death on October 10, 2021.
Frank dedicated 47 years to Wilson Fertilizer and Grain of Rochester, where he wore many hats and built lasting relationships. He retired in 2023, leaving behind a legacy of reliability and commitment.
Outside of work, Frank found happiness in gardening, tending to his yard, and traveling. In his later years, Frank cherished time with his grandchildren. Whether it was watching movies or sharing lunch with his grandson. He also had a lifelong passion for John Deere tractors and loved attending tractor pulls and steam tractor shows.
He is survived by his son Paul and wife Kiara Keitzer of Ft. Wayne; grandchildren Elijah, Justin, D.J., Brendan, and Braden; siblings Ted Richard and wife Lynda, Rita Jenkins and husband Jim, Hugh Richard and wife Vicki, Joe Richard, Ruth Gunter, Jane VanMeter and husband Kyle, Ed Richard and wife Amy all of Rochester, Mark Richard of Oregon; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents Paul Keitzer and Ellen and Joe Richard, wife Yvonne, brothers infant James Richard, Carl Richard, and Charles Richard, and sister Mary Rockenbaugh.
The funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm, Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at Hartzler Funeral Home 305 West Rochester Street Akron, Indiana with Pastor Terry Bradford officiating.
The interment will take place following the service in the St. Anne Cemetery, Monterey, Indiana.
Visitation hours will be held from 11 am to 1 pm, Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025 at Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron, Indiana.
Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to the funeral home to assist with expenses.
