On Thursday August 27th, 2020, Kenneth (Ken) Richard Froelich Sr., loving husband and father, passed away at the age of 67. Ken was born August 2nd, 1953 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Joseph and Deloris (La Bonte) Froelich. He graduated from South St. Paul High School in 1971 and went on to receive an associate’s degree from Dakota County Technical College in automotive mechanics in 1973 and an associate’s degree in post law enforcement from Inver Hills Community College in 1977. On February 17th, 1973 Ken married Patty Young at St. Columba Catholic Church in St. Paul, MN; throughout their married life they lived in Inver Grove Heights, St. Paul Park and Cottage Grove. Together they raised two sons Kenny Jr. and Chris.
Ken had a passion to serve his country and community, after brief service in the U.S. Army, from which he received a honorable medical discharge, he went on to devote his life to teaching firearm safety most recently serving an instrumental role in getting the HERO Training Center set up including establishing and training the staff in safety protocols as the Chief Range Safety Officer and as the Chief Range Safety Officer at the Bald Eagle Sportsman’s Association. In addition to his passion to teach firearm safety he also served as support staff for the Hastings Police Department, customer service specialist for the State of Minnesota – Explore Minnesota Tourism, a health information specialist at Summit Orthopedics, binderyman at Globe Publishing, para-professional for the South Washington County School District, and an officer of the police reserves of Inver Grove Heights.
Ken’s passion for firearms and firearm safety overflowed into his personal life as he achieved many certifications; throughout his life he became a Certified NRA Pistol Instructor, Certified Basic Firearms Instructor, Certified MN DNR Firearms Safety Instructor, and Certified National Rifle Association (NRA) Chief Range Safety Officer. In Ken’s free time his passions were photography and woodworking. His Catholic faith was always at the center of everything he did as a long-time member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in St. Paul Park, MN where he served in multiple capacities throughout his life including as an usher and Sunday School teacher. Close to his heart was also the mission of the Wounded Warrior Project to honor and empower Wounded Warriors who incurred a physical or mental injury, illness or wound co-incident to their military service on or after September 11, 2001.
He was preceded in death by his Parents Joe and Deloris Froelich and sister Janice Maas. Ken is survived by his wife Patty, sons Kenny Jr. (Sandy) and Chris (Emily); brothers Tim (JJ) and Bobby (Michelle) and sister Linda Froelich. Also survived by many other relatives and friends. Mass of the Christian Burial 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 4th, at ST THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC CHURCH 920 Holley Ave. Saint Paul Park. Visitation 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at KANDT & TETRICK FUNERAL HOME 140 8th Ave No. South St. Paul and at the church 1 hour before service on Friday.