Obituary of Francis Joseph Allegretti

Francis J. �Frank� Allegretti, Sr., 64, was born to eternal life on Tuesday, June 23, 2009. Frank was the oldest son of Peter J. and Adeline (Vesley) Allegretti. He was born on September 24, 1944 in Elgin, Illinois. He spent his childhood years in Illinois moving to Genoa City, Wisconsin in 1951 when his family relocated to resume farming. Growing up on the family farm, he spent many hours building, tuning and racing his favorite hot rods, much to the dismay of his parents. He attended Badger High School, graduating in 1962. After high school, he attended aviation classes in Kenosha. He then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1964. During his years of service his primary duties were in communication and security, spending time in Texas and Alaska serving his country. In addition to honorably serving his country, he acquired a true love of flight and the sense of freedom it provides. He was a draftsman for Norland Company, and was subsequently employed by Xerox Corporation for 30 years before retiring. In 1989, he achieved his dream when he flew solo with the guidance and instruction of Jim Campbell. Since that time, he logged many hours in the air, traveling the country in his Piper Warrior or his Piper Cub. Frank often spoke of a return trip to Alaska to visit the Air Force base where he was stationed in the 1960�s. After several months of meticulous planning, in June 2002, Frank and his brother, Pete, embarked on an exciting adventure journeying from Wisconsin to Alaska. They spent two weeks on this journey, taking time to enjoy the sights along the way. Frank was involved in several aviation related organizations and events including membership in the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) � Vintage Aircraft, volunteering his time annually during AirVenture, being a volunteer pilot for the Young Eagles program which provides flight opportunities so that youth can experience the world of aviation, and membership in the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). Frank was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and fishing and all the great wonders nature provides. He also enjoyed shooting clays at the Jefferson Sportsman Club. On April 23, 1994 Frank was united in marriage with Cheryl Jensen. They honeymooned on a Caribbean cruise. They both enjoyed traveling, making regular trips to Door County and Galena, Illinois. Frank was a truly selfless man, always willing to assist others in any way asked of him. Frank spent countless hours serving his church in various ways. He generously shared his time and treasures with everyone he encountered. Frank adored his grandchildren, playing a significant, positive role in each one of their lives. He enjoyed playing baseball with the older grandchildren, earning the title of �all-time pitcher�, and reading to or playing hide and seek with the younger grandchildren. He simply treasured the time spent with them and they with him, regardless of the activities at hand. Frank was the loving husband of Cheryl (Jensen) Allegretti and beloved father of Kimberly (Jeffrey) Nass of West Bend, Francis J. �Joe� Allegretti, Jr. (special friend Linda) of Jefferson and Penelope (Ronald) Miller of Jefferson, and proud grandfather of seven grandchildren, Benjamin, Nicholas and Natalie of West Bend and Michelle, Broden, Haygen and Caysen of Jefferson, all of whom he cherished. Frank is survived by his brother, Peter (Bonnie) Allegretti of Lake Geneva, his sister, Mary Ann Johnson, also of Lake Geneva, nephews Antonio (Tammy) Allegretti of Jacksonville, Florida and Zachary Allegretti of Lake Geneva, and niece Christina Allegretti of Austin, Texas. He is also survived by the mother of his children Linda Allegretti, and many other relatives and friends. Mother-In-Law: Irene Jensen, brothers and sisters-in-law: Deane (Chris) Hansen, John (Lori) Jensen, and Tom (Jill) Jensen, and nephews: Jason, John, David, and Dane, and nieces: Lissa, Amanda, and Julia. Preceding him in death were his parents: Peter and Adeline, and his father-in-law: Edward Jensen. Memorials may be made in Frank�s name to Grace Lutheran Church or His Grandchildren�s Educational Fund. A celebration of Frank�s life is planned for Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at 11:00 at Grace Lutheran Church in Cambridge, Wisconsin with burial at Lake Ripley Cemetery with military graveside rites. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Nitardy Funeral Home, 208 N. Park Street, Cambridge.