FIND AN OBITUARY
Service information is posted on our website only with approval from the family.
If you are seeking information not listed below, please contact us.
Michael James Froehlke
10/27/1949 — 12/05/2023
From Benton City, WA | Born in Chicago, Illinois
Celebration of Life
Michael James Froehlke
Michael Froehlke, 74, passed away on December 5, 2023, in Richland, Washington formerly of Naperville, Illinois. He was born on October 27, 1949 in Chicago, IL, to Jerome and Leona Froehlke (nee Radecki). Michael is survived by his sons Peter (Sharyl Bickford), Thomas and grandchildren Katelynn Huckabee-Froehlke and, Jacob Froehlke. Dear brother of Patrick Froehlke (Sandra), and sister Margaret McCarthy (William).
Michael graduated from Naperville Central High School in 1968 and went on to earn an associate degree from College of DuPage. He was an Electrical Engineer at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, Washington.
Michael is preceded in death by his wife Kathleen (nee Allen).
The Celebration of Life for Mike will be held on Friday, at 3:00 PM at Events at Sunset.
Farewell to a very kind man who was always ready to greet you with a smile and enjoyed solving problems.
I first met Mike in eight grade when he came up to me in the library and asked if I was into electronics because of the magazine I was reading. I was. From then on and all through high school we were the best of friends sharing a bunch of classes and ditching out on a few. Mike’s mom Leona and Pat and Peggy took us all in and eventually there was a bunch of guys known as the “Plank Road Boys”. Most of our free time you would find us nowhere else. It was there we drank our first beers and drove our first cars and lied about girls we never even talked to. It was right before the Beatles and it was always The Beach Boys and Jan and Dean on the radio for us.
Mike was the oldest and first to own a car. It was Mike’s International Scout that we used to skitch the streets of Saybrook subdivision back in our hometown. Those were some of the best days. It was back before our separate worlds began and summers lasted forever. I think I’ll go outside tonight and look up and say goodbye to an old friend. I’m sure he has an old crystal set radio on and can hear me.
Ken
My sincere condolences to the Froehlke family. I worked with Mike and his brother Pat in 1967 at a country club in Naperville and went on to become friends with the whole family on Plank road. Mike and the Froehlke family were wonderful and Mike will be missed.
In our symphony of scientific pursuit, Mike was a vital chord, resonating with a passion that transcended mere technical expertise. His role in nurturing our equipment was imbued with a dedication that reflected his deep investment in our collective success and well-being. Mike’s pragmatic presence, unwavering support, and gruff affection became the bedrock of our professional family. His laughter and smile are irreplaceable melodies in our memories, echoing his profound impact on each of us. As we continue our scientific journey, his spirit of collaboration and care will guide us. Mike’s absence leaves a profound silence, but his legacy endures in every success we achieve.
Guestbook for
Michael James Froehlke