Monday, August 27, 2012

Larry Froelich's brother dies


Former BJ reporter Larry Froelich posted this sad news on his Facebook page: 

 My brother Steve passed away yesterday at age 66 in a Findlay OH hospice unit of complications from liver failure. 

He was a gentle, private man who met the love of his life on the stage of their local little theatre (both pictured here). 

He'd taught high school English and journalism for 35 years in Findlay and performed in the local theatre, both on stage and behind the scenes. 

He wrote everything from romantic comedies to a play wherein the Ohio-born U.S. presidents defend themselves against history's dim view of their administrations. 

He died well before his time, but sadly he had refused to meet his health problems head-on. 

Rest in peace, little brother.

Stephen Froelich obituary in the Findlay (Ohio) Courier

Stephen Froelich

Popular Findlay teacher, actor and playwright Stephen Froelich passed "to the other side of the mountain" on August 24, 2012 at Bridge Hospice in Findlay.

He was born in Dover, Ohio on October 16, 1945 to the late Francis and Arline (Stilgenbauer) Froelich. He is survived and sadly missed by his loving wife Bonnie, brother Larry (Suzanne) Froelich of Lexington, Kentucky, step-daughter Jennifer (Jason) Schatzel of Cincinnati, Ohio, step-grandchildren, CJ, Zoey Rose and Theresa Isabel, and numerous nieces and nephews.

After graduating from Ohio University, Steve taught English and Journalism at Findlay High School from 1969-1999, along with advising the yearbook and newspaper staffs, serving as drama coach for the fall and spring plays, narrating the symphony concerts, and annually writing and directing the year-end comedy shows for the FHS faculty. 

For his efforts, he was presented the Outstanding Language Arts award sponsored by The Courier. 

His favorite author was Shakespeare, and one of the yearly highlights for his classes was his dramatic readings of the plays.

Mr. Froelich was active at the Fort Findlay Playhouse, Black Swamp Players, and Pemberville Opera House, who commissioned him to write a play for the Bicentennial. 

He wrote two: "Momma's Boys" about the 6 Ohio presidents and "Ladies First" about their wives. 

He was the recipient of many acting awards, both locally and regionally, including "The Best Man," "The Man who Came to Dinner" and "Harvey."

A Memorial Celebration will be held at a later date. Memorial gifts in Steve's name may be made to The Fort Findlay Playhouse, Teddy's Rescue in Findlay, or Bridge Hospice.

Arrangements are entrusted to the LEHTOMAA FUNERAL HOME, 201 Osborn Ave. Findlay, Ohio 45840, 419-424-0777.

Online condolences may be made to the Froelich family by visiting www.lehtomaafh.com.

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