Florence K. Froelich's Obituary
Big Rapids Florence K. Froelich, 82, of Big Rapids, passed away Friday, January 4, 2008, at Spectrum Health Butterworth in Grand Rapids. She was born April 10, 1925, in Detroit, the daughter of Gordon and Louise (Tuthill) Kingsbury. In 1947, Florence earned her B.A. in Economics from the University of Michigan, and served as the Managing Editor of the UM yearbook for two years. While there, she met her future husband, Douglas Froelich, and the couple married on July 24, 1948. They lived in Grand Rapids until early 1950, and then moved to Hart, where they lived until moving to Big Rapids in 1960. Florence was an active member of the American Association of University Women, the DAR, the Big Rapids Garden Club, the Good Neighbors Association, and the Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship of Big Rapids. She served many years on the Big Rapids Board of Parks and Recreation, and frequently attended Plan Board and City Commission meetings. A Certified Landscape Critic, Florence offered her expertise frequently regarding city parks, and was instrumental in the design of the Mitchell Creek Park. She also served on the Big Rapids Historic Preservation Commission, and devoted many hours to the restoration of the Old Jail and the Bergelin House Museum. In 1985, Florence received the Park and Recreation Board Citizenship Recognition award, and in 2003, received the Northern Lights Environment award. The FSU Presidents Club recognized her in 2006 for her contributions to the University. Her husband preceded her in death in 1996. Surviving are 3 sons, Bruce (Margot Haynes) of Midland, Stuart (Carol) of Plymouth, MN, and Robert (Florence Bass) of Sunnyvale, CA; 5 grandchildren, David, Courtney, Jessica, Ashleigh, and Rachel; 3 step-grandchildren, Tristan, Erin, and Sherwood; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 12, 2008, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with burial to follow in the Highland View Cemetery. Her family will greet friends at the funeral home on Friday, January 11, from 4-7 p.m., and prior to services on Saturday. Memorial contributions in her name may be sent to; the Douglas O. Froelich Memorial Scholarship Fund, Ferris State University, 420 Oak St., Prakken 101, Big Rapids, MI 49307, or may be left in care of the funeral home.
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