Frederick "Butch" Rogowski

Frederick R. “Butch” Rogowski, 78 of French Island, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, August 5, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was born February 18, 1945, in La Crosse to Federick and Viola (Will) Rogowski. Butch graduated from Logan High School and proudly served the United States Army and in the Wisconsin Army National Guard.

Butch began working for Rucker Painting in La Crosse when he was 16 years old and continued to work for them for many years. In the late 1970’s he formed his own painting company, Rogowski Painting, sub-contracting with Olympic Builders in Holmen, until his retirement in 2007.

Butch and Erna met in 1986 and were together for over 37 years. She worked side by side with him for over 20 years. They were an unstoppable team.

Butch enjoyed collector cars, especially red; collecting pennies; playing golf and volunteering with the La Crosse Rotary Lights where he served on the steering committee.

Butch is survived by his wife, Erna Brauer; two children, Kirsten “Kiki” Kast of Sparta, WI and Fritz (Jen) Rogowski of Leadville, CO; three grandchildren, Christopher (Amie) Rogowski of La Crosse, Joseph (Julia) Kast of Onalaska and Jayden Kast of Sparta; two sisters, Rosie (Wayne) Dahl of Cashton, WI and Ronnie Dickman of Prairie du Chien, WI; a brother, John (Carol) Rogowski of La Crosse; two sisters-in-law, Terry (Terry) Houlihan of La Crosse and Robin Phillips of Mississippi; a brother-in-law, Gary Brauer along with numerous nieces, nephews and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Darlene Dent, Ellie Knutson, Rita Mathis and Susie Hutchison; five brothers-in-law, Doug Dickman, Ronnie Phillips, Rodny Lumbard, Gary Knutson and David Hutchison; along with two sisters-in-law, Ronie Brauer and Janet Lumbard.

Butch’s family would like to express their thanks to the Gundersen Onalaska Renal Center and Hospice for their help and support. In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to La Crosse Rotary Lights or the Gundersen Renal Dialysis Center.