Frank J. Oatman

5/5/1948 - 2/1/2026

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Obituary For Frank J. Oatman

Frank J. Oatman, 77, of Eau Claire, passed away February 1, 2026, under the care of the Marshfield Hospital Palliative Care Unit.

Frank was born on May 5, 1948, in Eau Claire to Lloyd and Carol (Thorson) Oatman. He helped at the family business, Oatman’s Filling Station, and immediately after high school enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, proudly serving from 1967 until being honorably discharged in 1973. Frank’s service career included two tours in Vietnam.

While stationed in California at Camp Pendleton, Frank married Rebecca Breitzman. Together they had a son and a daughter. Although their marriage later ended, they remained friends.

Frank served with the Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Department for 20 years, retiring in 1998. After retirement, he owned and operated Oatman Stump Removal until he decided to move to Helena, Montana. In Montana he worked for the Army National Guard at Fort William Henry Harrison. Upon his return to Wisconsin, he moved to Winter. Frank enjoyed a cold beer, camping, fishing, watching the Packers, and spending time with his many friends and family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Surviving Frank are his son, Shawn (Shelly) Oatman of Eau Claire, and his daughter, Julie (Paul) Klein of Neillsville; his grandchildren, Hannah and Maxwell Oatman and Molly and Mason Klein. He is further survived by his sister, Sharon Kettner of Eau Claire, several special cousins and his beloved dog Butch.

Preceding Frank in death were his parents and two brothers, James “Jimmy” Oatman in 1959 and William “Bill” Oatman in 2023.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Clark County Rehabilitation and Living Center for the wonderful care Frank received in the final years of his life.

A visitation will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 2:00 pm at Smith Funeral Chapel in Eau Claire. A funeral service will follow the visitation at 4:00 pm at the funeral home on Friday. Military honors will follow the service at the funeral home. Burial will be at a later date.

We would like to invite family and friends that may be unable to attend services for Frank to join us virtually, by clicking the link below.

https://vimeo.com/event/5713657

Services

6 Feb

Visitation

02:00 PM - 04:00 PM

Smith Funeral Chapel 2222 London Rd Eau Claire, WI 54701 Get Directions »
6 Feb

Memorial Service

04:00 PM

Smith Funeral Chapel 2222 London Rd Eau Claire, WI 54701 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Tributes

  • Heartfelt Memories

    Terrance L Craney sent Heartfelt Memories for Frank J. Oatman - 02/04/2026

    Deepest Sympathies to the Oatman Family From: The Steve Craney Family The Terry Craney Family

Condolences

  • 02/08/2026

    Jeannine (Kent) Lahner

    My thoughts and prayers go out to the Oatman family. I didn't hear the news about Frank until after the fact or I would of went to the visitation. I didn't know that Bill passed away, either. So sorry for your loss!! 💔🙏 Jeannine (Kent) Lahner

  • 02/07/2026

    Janet White

    It was a great pleasure to be one of Frank's caregivers, my deepest sympathies to his family and friends, Frank you will be sadly missed

  • 02/06/2026

    Denise Suckow

    So sorry for your loss. Oatman Klein Family. Much love sent your way. Love Denise Suckow

  • 02/05/2026

    John & Paula Vogler

    Our hearts break for Frank and all the family and friends he left behind. We will never forget all the fun times we shared Oats. Love you lots, John & Paula Vogler

  • 02/03/2026

    Steve and Pam Nesbit

    We are sending the family our condolences. Frank was a good man who always made us laugh. Steve and Pam Nesbit

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