Franklyn Edward Rear, age 65 of New Glarus, formerly of Blanchardville, died on Friday evening, November 30, 2012 at Harbor House in Monroe. He was born on January 24, 1947 in Monroe to Clifford & Doris (Vamstad) Rear. He went to school in Blanchardville and graduated from the Blanchardville High School in 1965. He went to the UW-Platteville, and graduated in 1969 with a degree in Biology and Physical Education. He was drafted into the Army, and served in Germany. After discharge from the army he began his teaching career at the Weston School District in Cazenovia, WI. Frank loved coaching sports, including track, football, basketball, and especially baseball, at the school districts in Blanchardville, Cazenovia, New Glarus, Albany, and Pecatonica. He started the Babe Ruth and Home Talent baseball programs in New Glarus. Frank also played Home Talent for Argyle, Blanchardville and New Glarus as well as playing fast pitch softball for the Engstad Chevrolet team and he played in the Mount Vernon tournament for over 40 years. He was married on April 27, 1974 in the Adams Lutheran Church in rural Argyle to Susan Moen. In 1980 he began his insurance career with New York Life. He was an avid member of the New Glarus Yodel Club, and a regular participant in the Wilhelm Tell reenactment plays in New Glarus. He also operated a sports card and memorabilia store, The Batters Box, in New Glarus. In his later years he enjoyed substitute teaching in the Albany and Pecatonica school districts. Frank was a huge St. Louis Cardinals fan, and was proud of his Norwegian heritage and his love for the Swiss culture. He loved traveling, and narrating his slide shows after his trips. He traveled all over Europe. Frank loved his kids and especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed following all his nieces and nephew's sporting events.

Frank is survived by his three children, Stein (Sara) Rear of Ashland, WI, Christopher (Angie) Rear of Dodgeville, and Gretchen (Bruce) Legris of Belleville; his mother, Doris (Rolland) Rear-Hustad of New Glarus; two brothers, Bruce Rear of Monroe, and Brian Rear of Blanchardville; one sister, Connie Moen of Blanchardville; six grandchildren, Bryn, Adalyn, Braden, Macy, Eliza, Oliver and one more on the way; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Clifford Rear, and his sister-in-law, Laurie Rear.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 5, 2012 at 11:00 AM at the York Memorial Lutheran Church at the intersection of highways 78 & 39 in rural Blanchardville. Rev. Mark Gruner of the Pecatonica Lutheran Parish will officiate. Burial will be in the York Memorial Cemetery. Friends may call on Tuesday evening, December 4, 2012 from 4:00 until 8:00 PM at the York Memorial Lutheran Church. The Saether Funeral Home in Blanchardville is assisting the family. Online memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.saetherfuneralhome.com.

The family wishes to give special thanks to the staff at Harbor House, especially Paulette Williams.