Gerald A. Froberg

Gerald was born on February 8, 1931 in New Swanzy, Michigan where he resided most of his life.

He attended and graduated from Gwinn High School class of 1949. He was his class president and participated in several sports. He especially enjoyed playing basketball. In 1949, his team was runner-up in the state tournament Class D championship in Lansing.

After high school he briefly attended Michigan Tech on an athletic scholarship, where he played on the football team for one season.

Later he worked at several jobs, one as a lumberjack in the woods and at the Tracy Mine until he was drafted into the Army in 1952. He served in Korea for two years.

He married the former Irene Ontto in 1952 and they were married for 66 years. After serving his country, he was employed by CCI. When they had a big layoff, he went back into the woods. He and his two partners ran their own jobbing operation. In 1955, he purchased a building in New Swanzy and started in the store business and was there for several years.

Later his good friend Louis Nordeen built the existing building “Froberg’s Clothing” fondly called “Fuzzy’s” by all who knew him. He loved being in the store and dedicated most of his life to making sure the “working man” was outfitted in the best “duds” to get the job done. He enjoyed chatting with customers and worked until the very day he was hospitalized, using a cane and walker.

He was a life member of the Gwinn VFW, serving as commander for a period. He was very active in the VFW in his younger years. He was also a member of the Gwinn Business Association for many years.

Gerald is survived by his wife, Irene Froberg; four sons, Terry (Carilyn) Froberg and Chris Froberg of Gwinn, Brian (Joy) Froberg of Portage, WI and Tim (Sharon) Froberg of Greenville, WI; three loving grandchildren, Eric (Connie Fries) Froberg of Marquette, Haley (Jamie Seagle) Froberg and Collene (Brandon) Eden-Froberg of Gwinn; one great grandson, Evereet Lee Eden; good friends, Jill Froberg and Lynn Marjonen; also a niece, Lynn Hutchens. He leaves several special nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Theresa and August Froberg; siblings, Ellen Parks, Verna Schoen, Irene Koschtial, Violet Inman and her four sons, Frank, Gary, Lee and James; two nephews, Glenn Schoen and Mark Giddings; also brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 20th at 12 noon at Grace Lutheran Church in Gwinn with Rev. Andrew Plocher officiating. Visitation will commence at 11 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will take place in the Gwinn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Grace Lutheran Church, 558 E. M-35, Gwinn, MI 49841 or Gwinn VFW Post 5670, 54 N. Mitchell St., Gwinn, MI 49841.

The Canale Gwinn Funeral Home is assisting the Froberg family where memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com.