Vernon Arnold Froehlich

Vernon Arnold Froehlich, of Dowagiac, passed away on May 14, 2019 at his home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00 A.M., Monday, May 20, 2019 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 603 McCleary St., Dowagiac with Pastor David Schmidt officiating. Burial will follow at South Wayne Cemetery in Dowagiac. Friends may visit with the family on Sunday, May 19, 2019 from 2:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M., at Clark Chapel, 405 Center St. Dowagiac. Memorial contributions in Vernon’s name may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church. Those wishing to share a memory of Vernon online may do so at www.clarkch.com Vernon was born February 21, 1937, in Sodus, MI, to William and Ada (Hafer) Froehlich. Vernon was a farmer for many years before becoming a truck driver and retiring after 30 years. He married Eunice (Wilson) Froehlich, the love of his life, on December 3, 1955. From this loving union, they built a foundation for their growing family. He was a major presence in the lives of his family and will be overwhelmingly missed by his five children and their spouses, 11 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren, all of whom he loved, cherished, and was profoundly proud of beyond words. He had a love for gardening. Every year he grew a huge garden taking great pride in his produce. Vernon belonged to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Dowagiac where he served in various positions through the years. Vernon was an avid fan of the Michigan Wolverines, Detroit Tigers, and Detroit Lions. This gentle, loving, wonderful, and caring man left many beautiful memories and etched a special place in everyone’s hearts that knew him. Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, Ada and William Froehlich and brothers Fred and Robert. Vernon is survived by his wife, Eunice of 63 years; children, Pam Leitz, Jeff (Kathy) Froehlich, Patricia (Rob) Viestenz, Sharon (Denny) McCartney and William (Michele) Froehlich; 11 grandchildren, Stephenie (Bill) Reynard, Jason (Lena) Froehlich, Rachael (Jon) Gray, Kassie (Joey) Shouse, Justin Leitz, Trevor Leitz, Craig McCartney, Marisa (Travis) Sawyers, Michala Froehlich (Brad Greene), Brody Froehlich and Taylore Froehlich (A.J. Lara); 11 great-grandchildren; sisters Evelyn (Ronald) Keigley, Virginia (Richard) Kruck, and Helen (Maurice) Vandenberg; sisters-in-law, Connie Froehlich, Jean Froehlich and Darlene (David) Reece; brother-in-law, Ron (Shirley) Petty and several nieces and nephews.