Erwin Carl Froehlich, age
83, of Oshkosh, beloved husband and father, entered eternal life on Saturday
evening, January 31, 2010, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. He had resided in Elijah's Place at Bethel
Home for the past few years, a place he lovingly called "home". Born on May 11, 1926 in Oshkosh, Erwin was a
graduate of Oshkosh High School in 1944.
On October 16, 1948, he married Grace Lampert, the love of his life, and
together they were blessed with six children who were the joy of his life.


During WWII, Erwin served
on the USS John Blish and was in attendance at the atomic bomb testing at the
island of Bikini. He also served on the
USS Duxbury Bay, a flag ship in the Persian Gulf, and the USS Franklin Delano
Roosevelt, an aircraft carrier that was in attendance during the Cuban Missile
Crisis. In total, Erwin served 22 years
in the US Navy, retiring in 1967, as a Senior Chief Electronics Technician.


Later, Erwin graduated
from Carthage College, Kenosha, with a BS Degree; a MS Degree, from
Northwestern University, in Evanston, Illinois, and Northern Illinois
University, DeKalb, Illinois, with a Certificate of Advance Study. He taught high school from 1967-69 at North
Chicago High School, North Chicago, Illinois, and from 1969-1987 at Niles West
High School, Skokie, Illinois, where he also served as a Night School
Supervisor.


In
1987, Erwin retired to Pine River, Wisconsin, where he pursued his many hobbies
and followed his avocation to be a "gentleman farmer". There he planted and cared for an extensive
garden, tended bees, harvested maple
syrup, canned vegetables, jams and sauerkraut, harvested his own ducks and
turkeys, and enjoyed making candy.


An avid ham radio operator
(call sign W9RZW), a hobby that started at the age of 11, Erwin participated in
many ham radio competitions and was ranked in the top 5% of all operators who are able to communicate world-wide. A humanitarian to the fullest, Erwin
volunteered for the American Red Cross.
A respected Philatelist and expert on US stamps, Erwin founded "Erv's
House of Stamps" in Marshfield, Wisconsin, over 50 years ago. He was an official weatherman for Waushara
County for many years. He was a member
of Trinity Episcopal Church in Oshkosh, Disabled American Veterans, and
American Veterans.


Erwin had a great passion
for learning, a curiosity for life, and a belief that life was an adventure to be lived. He was a quiet, introspective man, who passed
these values onto his children. Those
children, held him on a pedestal and were in awe of his accomplishments,
working multiple jobs during his life, sacrificing to provide all of his
children the educational opportunities that he felt were so important.


Left to mourn his passing
is his wife of 61 years, Grace Lampert Froehlich of Oshkosh; five children,
Margaret Edwards of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Maureen (Bill) Lewandowski of
Kenosha, Julie Froehlich of Oshkosh, Erwin Froehlich of Poy Sippi, and Barbara
(Tom) Finnegan of Waupaca; a brother, Eldon (BJ) Froehlich of Mena, Arkansas;
six grandchildren, Jennifer Beaty, Ben (Lindsey) Lewandowski, Philip Weber,
Sheila Finnegan, Dan Finnegan, and Matt Finnegan; three great-grandchildren, Natalie Nagode,
Max Beaty, and Wylie Lewandowski; and nieces and nephews. Preceding Erwin in death are his parents, a
daughter, Sheila Weber, in 2006, and a granddaughter, Cara Weber, in 2008.


A Memorial Service to
celebrate Erwin's life, will be held on Wednesday, February 3, 2010, at 10:30
a.m., in Trinity Episcopal Church, 311 Division Street, with Reverend Steven
Powers officiating.


Erwin's family wishes to
express their appreciation for the loving care that was provided to their
special father, during his final years, by the incredible care staff at
Elijah's Place. We will never forget and
especially recognize the stellar leadership of Joan Olson, Nurse Manager
(retired), Tera Toonen, Program Coordinator, and all the staff at Bethel
Home. Please visit www.seefeldfuneral.com to send
online condolences to the family.


Seefeld Funeral and


Cremation Services


(920) 236-7750