On June 12, 2009 Francis Froehler of Buffalo, Minn., formerly of Crookston, stepped out of his frail body and into the presence of his Savior and Lord surrounded by family. He was born on October 25, 1916 in Crocus, N.D. to John and Mary (Rieland) Froehler.
As a child he moved with his family to Starkweather, N.D. He married Marjorie Lichtenbarger on April 8, 1942 in Assumption Catholic Church in Starkweather. They farmed and Francis was on the township board and active in 4-H. Francis was also secretary at the Community Center in Starkweather. He installed TV antennas for Mervin Olson. He hauled livestock to Fargo. The couple moved to Crookston in 1959 where he continued to farm. Francis was on the Kertsonville Township board for many years and was also a noxious weed inspector for the township. Francis retired from dairy and grain farming in 1977 and then worked for American Crystal Sugar. Following retirement from American Crystal he continued to work for area farmers. Francis was very involved in the Polk County Museum. Francis and Marjorie were great lovers of flowers. They donated flowers to the Crookston Wildflower Garden. Following Marjorie’s death he continued to work in her flower beds and won many ribbons at the Crookston Flower Shows.
His faith was very important to him. He has been a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Gentilly since 1959.
Francis moved to Buffalo to live with his daughter, Joyce, in the fall of 2006 and continued to live with her until his death.
He is survived by his children: Robert (Sandra) Froehler, Thief River Falls, Joyce Hackworth, Buffalo, Mary (Larry) Menebroker, Lincoln, Neb., Thomas (Patricia) Froehler, Crookston, Bernardine Swift, Longmont, Colo., and Michael Froehler, Buffalo. Also former son-in-law, Jim Swift, Rolla, Mo., 14 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and a sister, Helen Hartman of Albuquerque, N.M. and many other relatives.
Francis was preceded in death by his beloved wife Marjorie, parents John and Mary Froehler, brothers Ode and Sylvester Froehler, and sisters Ella Kitsch and Pauline Ivarson. A son-in-law, Clair Hackworth, also preceded him.
Diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1991, his last generous gift was to donate his earthly remains to the University of Minnesota for medical research so that others might live a better life. He will be remembered for his complete faith in Christ and his positive attitude through difficult times. He deeply loved his family and friends and was deeply loved in return. His passing leaves a hole in our hearts and lives.
Visitation with family will be Friday, June 19, 2009 from 5-7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Gentilly. A Memorial Mass celebrating his life will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Gentilly, on Saturday, June 20, 2009 at 10:30 a.m.
