Robert "Bob" Frenzel

Robert "Bob" Frenzel

Robert "Bob" Frenzel, 94, formerly of Erie Pennsylvania died in his sleep on April 11 after a martini and dinner with his daughter's family in Shorewood. He had been diagnosed with IPF several years ago, and it had begun to take its toll on him.

If only everyone could live and die like he did. He was born in St. Paul, MN, the first of four boys. He attended St. Paul Academy, where he excelled at football, basketball and swimming. He joined the Navy upon graduation but became ill with rheumatic fever in boot camp and convalesced in San Diego. He majored in engineering at MIT, and received his MBA from Syracuse University.

He met his wife Kathleen in Syracuse, NY. After honeymooning at western ski resorts, they spent 52 happy years together, cheerfully moving with their children as Bob was transferred from state to state with his job with GE. In 1983 Bob and Kathleen moved to Erie, bought a house on the lake and "settled down" for the next 25 years. He enjoyed designing their gardens, running and cross country skiing in the woods, and cocktails at the lake at sunset. Kathleen and Bob traveled extensively, both overseas and in the US, skiing, visiting gardens and their far-flung offspring. They had a vacation condominium at Stratton Mountain, Vermont and enjoyed hiking and skiing there.

If you were lucky enough to visit the Frenzel's on Admiral Drive, you already know what a talented gardener he was. If not, you can find the extensive gardens at the Smithsonian Archives of American Gardens "Fairview: The Frenzel Garden".

In August 2020 he moved to Shorewood. He read two newspapers cover to cover every morning, entertained the family with stories from his life, and cheered his grandchildren in football and cross-country. He told everyone he spoke to what a wonderful place this was to spend his last days.

He is predeceased by his wife Kathleen and daughter Sarah. He is survived by his children Tom (Meghan), Heidi (Scott Gronert) and Michael (Caroline), and honorary son Charlie (Brittain). His grandchildren brought him much joy: Henry, Jake, George, Caroline, Audrey, Amelia, Robert and Joseph.

If you would like to honor Bob, make yourself a martini and head outside to a garden to watch a sunset.