"Sad to here of Fuzzys passing,knew hjm fof many years .called on him as a salesman for a clothing Co.on visits to Gwinn (,my Daughter livis on Bass Lake)I would stop in to see him taalking about old times,over a coffee break.Hee was q Korean vet . i was a WW2 vet we had lots to talk about. Farewell Gerry' Richard Rizzic My condolences to his family"
In loving memory of
GERALD A. "FUZZY" FROBERG
February 8, 1931 - April 12, 2018
Gerald A. Fuzzy Froberg, 87, of Gwinn, died peacefully Thursday, April 12, 2018 at UP Health System-Marquette with his family at his side.
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 Frobergs Clothing fondly called Fuzzys 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.
Tributes
"Sending my condolences to the Froberg family. May the memories held deep inside your heart bring you comfort. Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of wonderful memories. Pam Jancsi Struckel"
"My condolences to your family on the passing of your dad. May he Rest In Peace. Dick and Judy Wells"
"Sincerest sympathy to the Froberg family. We are frequent campers at the Tourist Park and we often stop in the clothing store to make purchases. Mr. Froberg was always so kind and friendly behind the cash register. We are so sorry for your loss."
"With deepest sympathy to Irene and the Froberg boys and their families in Fuzzy's passing. He certainly was one of New Swanzy's favorite sons. He was also a very fine athlete in his younger years, and one of the stars of Gwinn's runner up State Basketball Champions in 1949. You could always count on Fuzzy for a clutch basket. It was always a pleasure to talk to Fuzzy about the Packers, Tigers or whatever season in sports it might be, and he was always right on. His low key personality, nothing high pressure, made him a unique soccessful businessman. Fuzzy will be misses by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this sad time. "
"Our sincere condolences to the loved ones of this wonderful man. Always enjoyed going to his store which was successfully run by a truly dedicated family. Jeff& Terry Ayotte"
"We are sorry to hear this. Our thoughts and prayers go out for Fuzzy and his family. Pete, Paul, and Patrick Moore. "
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Froberg family. The highlight of our summer trips to Gwinn was going into Froberg's to find a treasure. My husband will wear his "All American Trucker" hat in honor of him today."
"Prayers for the Froberg family. We come North every fall to Bass Lake. A trip to Frobergs is always a part of our vacation. Always enjoyed great conversations with Fuzzy. He will be truly missed by many.
Regards, QD and Mary Olsen"