Robert (Bob) Fratzke, 86, of Winona, passed away on Saturday, April 11, 2026.

He was born in Winona, MN, to Helen (Schreiber) and Carl Fratzke Sr. on January 8, 1940. Bob attended Cotter High School and lived in Winona his whole life.

On December 28, 1957, Bob married Lois Jean Bernet. They were later divorced. On July 15, 1968, Bob married Beth Ann Saari. They were later divorced. On July 19, 1991, Bob married Elizabeth (Wicka) Kramer.

Bob retired in the year 2000 upon the closing of the Winona Knitting Mills where he worked for 42 years. Bob created prototype sweaters for potential customers. In 1974, Bob designed a new camouflage pattern which led to an additional position in promotions with WinonaSportswear Inc. and eventually led to Bob's ownership of Winona Camo System from 1983 to 2000. The camo knit clothing Bob sold carried his name on the label. His son, Erik, currently owns the copyrights for Winona Camo System. Due to his notoriety in bowhunting, Bob worked on the Field and Evaluation Staff for Kopin, Bohning, Steinle Ranch, Trailtimer, Summit Specialties, Bear Archery, Sunline, Robinson Laboratories, and High Caliber Productions. He also lectured at seminars and trade shows nationally.

Anyone who knew Bob knew that his greatest loves were competitive field archery and bowhunting. Other interests were nature photography, video production, taxidermy and writing articles for outdoor magazines. He hunted and booked archery-only hunts in Wyoming for antelope for 28 years. His book "Taking Trophy Whitetails" was sold nationally. Bob co-wrote and was featured in the first two chapters of the book "Bowhunting Whitetail Masters,” which also sold nationally. He is featured in, and helped produce, 6 nationally sold bow hunting and instruction videos produced by Buckmasters and High Caliber Productions. He wrote and has been featured in Outdoor Life, Field & Stream, Bowhunter, International Bowhunter, and Peterson's Bowhunting magazines.

In 1984, Bob was inducted into the International Bowhunter Clinic Hall of Fame in Lansing, MI. In 1985, he was featured in and received an award from Archery Business Magazine for being one of fifty individuals who made a difference and significant contribution to the business and sport of archery and bowhunting in the past decade. In 1994, he was inducted into Friend of Bear Hall of Fame in Gainesville, Florida.

Bob is a member of Minnesota Bowhunters Association, first president of the Winona Chapter of Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, member of West Central Field Archery League, member of the Wisconsin Bowhunters Association and member of the Winona Athletic Club. He was inducted into the Minnesota Archery Hall of Fame on September 24, 2016.

Bob is survived by his wife Elizabeth, Winona; Children: Julie Huwald, Winona; and Erik Fratzke, St. Paul; stepchildren: Lynn Biesanz, Fountain City; Kathy Kramer, Fountain City; Patrick (Deb) Kramer, Winona; Jami (Rick) Spitzer, Winona; and Jodi (Tony) Hohensee, Lewiston; grandchildren: Amy Bernadot, Rochester; Louis and Raymond Fratzke, St. Paul; step-grandchildren: Jesse Kupietz and Samantha Fox; Nash and Natalii Kramer; Brynn and Logan Spitzer; Alyxandra Bowron and Arron Hohensee; brothers and sisters: Carol (Pete) Koutsky, Gary (Barb Schmidt) Fratzke, Gayle (Wayne Ledebuhr) Fratzke Ledebuhr and Donna Marks all of Winona.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Mark Fratzke; and brother Carl (Rosalie) Fratzke Jr.

Graveside services will be held at 1 PM on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Winona – those attending are asked to please meet by the Armory entrance by 12:50 PM. Immediately following the service, there will be a celebration of Bob’s life held at the Winona Athletic Club, 773 E. 5th St., Winona.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Bob’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.

Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.