Robert B. Froehle

Robert B. Froehle, age 80, of Fremont passed away on Friday, March 28, 2008, at South Bay Hospital in Sun City, Florida. He was born on May 2, 1927, in Cambridge, Ohio, to Bernard and Marie (Gillig) Froehle and served in the United States Navy during WWII.. Bob owned and operated the Ben Franklin store in downtown Fremont prior to his retirement and had been active in the Fremont Chamber of Commerce. Bob enjoyed fishing, being outdoors, and was a member of the All Saints Catholic Church. Bob married Gayle Timmer on August 29, 1992, in Fremont.

Bob is survived by his wife, Gayle of Fremont; children, David Froehle of Petoskey, Mary (Steve) Christoffersen of Fremont, and Michael (Carmen) Froehle of Fremont; step-children, Gary (Laura Mason) Timmer and Gregg (Kelly Karrip) Timmer both of Newaygo; 5 grandchildren, Amanda (Robert) Smith, Jason (Sandi) Christoffersen, and Matthew, Ashley, Melisa Froehle; 10 step grandchildren; sister, June (Harry) Reisiger of Cincinnati; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife Kathleen in 1986.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 3, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Crandell Funeral Home in Fremont with a scripture service at 7:30 p.m.. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 am at the All Saints Catholic Church with interment following in Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery. For a more lasting memorial friends are asked to consider Hospice of Michigan or the American Cancer Society. Friends may share memories and condolences with the family at www.crandellfh.com. Arrangements by Crandell Funeral Home in Fremont.

David, Mary & Michael,

I wanted to express my Deepest Sympathy for the loss of your father. My prayers are with you and your family. I remember all of you with very fond memories when we all were children living on Cherry Hill.

Lynn (Westberg) Meyer

Posted 3/31/2008

I recall Bob as the icon of Ben Franklin for my years of growing up in Fremont, MI. However, Bob became friend & confidant much later in the 80’s when circumstances of life brought us together as members of White Lake Growing Singles. We had over 20 years of growing, learning, laughing, celebrating, & changes of life with Bob & Gayle. Bob & Gayle were generous with invitations to the cottage, their home and overnighters as we traveled thru Ruskin, Florida. We have enjoyed them in our home & at many outings with the gang in recent years. We think of Bob as entertaining, intelligent, kind & wise. He had such a memory for all around him & was interested in so many things. He was a delight at our social gatherings. We will always think of him fondly. Bob will be missed. & Gayle will be held in our arms. God has called His son home in His time.

Bob and Cathy Moore

Posted 3/31/2008

To Steve, Mary; and the Froehle Families,

We didn't see Bob very often, but he always seemed happy to see us whenever we did happen to meet. After the Ben Franklin Store closed, we really missed Bob. He treated us like family. One of my best memories, my mother and stepfather, Una and Ralph Ikens, collected toys so needy children would have a Christmas. Every year Bob would save the unsold items for Mom and Ralph. My mother would spend the rest of the year making doll clothes for the dolls Bob donated. I know many children would not have had a Christmas without Bob's, Mom's and Ralph's efforts. Thank you for sharing your father.

Arnold and Mildred Woodring

Posted 3/31/2008

Dear Steve,Mary and Family,

I remember Bob when I went to Fremont High, we were able to go downtown during our lunch breaks.

Many teens would walk through his store and keep him real busy...:') He was a great business man. I also had the pleasure of seeing a great father and I was blessed with the opportunity to share a few

words with him at your house by the campfire. He had such a great sense of humor and loved to pick on people. It really tickled his ribs to watch my granddaughter Destiny flipping backwards out of her

little folding chair by the fire. He will never be forgotten.

My only regret, we will not see him at the campfire, but he will be there in spirit, (which will live on forever with our Lord Jesus Christ).

With love and prayers for comfort and peace during this difficult time,

Lora Machiele

Posted 4/1/2008

I wanted to express my condolences to the Froehle Family. Bob Froehle gave me my first job working in his Ben Franklin Store in Fremont in early 1960's. I still have many vivid memories working there. Bob treated all of us like family and he was an excellent boss. Even after I left working for him, he always greeted me with such kindest whenever I saw him anywhere in public. Thanks Bob. I am sure you and Joe Paul are talking over old times in the retail business. Gail Scott

Posted 4/1/2008

Mike, Carmen, Matt, Ash and Melisa-

The Hesse Family wanted to let you know that we love you and we are praying for you all.

Tim, Mer, Isaac and Lucas

Posted 4/1/2008

Hi Mary, Dave & Mike,

Tiny Scott wrote Mom to tell her about your dad and Mom immediately called me. We are all saddened by his loss and want you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers. I am glad Mary that you and I have kept in touch through the years the memories of your parents taking us kids to the lake, our Cherry Hill camp outs, the plays and fairs we put on are all such warm and fond reminiscences. As I was typing this Jim called and he wanted me to mention how sorry he was to hear also. Dave, I saw you are living in Petoskey, Jim is in Charlevoix, he would love to hear from you. Please take care and know we are thinking of you all.

Debbie (Cross) Johnson

Posted 4/7/2008

Dear June,

Remember Esther Roossinck? I just stumbled on Bob's obituary while
looking for another. You have my deepest sympathy. I remember how
much fun it was to walk to the Ben Franklin store at noon, to see Bob
(who was never interested) as well as look over the merchandize. This
is while I was in high school.

You and I used to have fun too. I remember you turning around in
your desk to say, "Ethher, don't you hate people to lihp?"

Now I am sorry to hear that Bob is gone. I will email this to the
classmates who's e addresses I have.
Can you send me yours?

With my deep sympathy to you and all Bob's family,
Esther Rice

Posted 4/17/2008