Willard Froelich

Willard E. Froelich, age 92 of Coldwater, died on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at The Gardens at St. Henry. He was born July 10, 1932 in Defiance to the late Linus & Anna (Weber) Froelich. On August 29, 1959, he married Marilyn (Dues) Froelich and enjoyed 65 wonderful years together, she resides in Coldwater.

He is survived by daughters, Lori & Bill Bettinger of Coldwater and Lisa & Frank Sutter of Ft. Recovery; grandchildren, Justine & Kyle Reardon of Piqua, Gavin & Megan Bettinger of Coldwater, Ethan & Shelby Bettinger of Beavercreek, Adam Sutter of Ft. Recovery, Craig & Hannah Sutter of Ridgeville, Indiana, and Aaron & Sarah of Ridgeville, Indiana; great-grandchildren, Aiden, Maddie, Lilah, Fletcher, Alexis, Gabriel, Gianna, Imogene, and Marcus; and siblings and in-laws, Patricia Wirick, Beverly Froelich, Virginia Manley, Wilma Naber, Jeanette & Howard Osterholt, Mary Ann & Don Post, Joan Dues and Barb Dues.

He is also preceded in death by siblings and in-laws, Mary Ann & Don Wells, Margaret & Robert Free, John Wirick, John Froelich, Richard Manley, Wilfred & Margaret Dues, Harold & Helen Dues, Joe & Betty Dues + Colleen Dues, Stanley & Dorma Dues, Lowell Dues, Genevieve & Gregor Schmitz, Gregor & Barb Dues, Maria Dues, Helen & Tom Homan, Vernon Naber, Leroy Huelsman and William Billerman.

Willard was a jeweler for over 50 years and owned Froelich Jewelry Store for over 30 years. He was a graduate of Defiance High School and Bradley University. He was a veteran of the United States Army and served in the Korean War, earning the rank of Sergeant 1st Class. Willard was also a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, the Coldwater American Legion and the Knights of Columbus. He was an avid gardener and an accomplished wood engraver. He earned many accolades for his engraving.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM on Monday, December 2, 2024 at Holy Trinity Church, Coldwater. Burial will follow in St. Elizabeth Cemetery. Friends may call on Sunday, December 1 from 1 to 6 pm and Monday from 9 to 10:00 am at the Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Coldwater. Memorials may be made to EverHeart Hospice. Condolences may be left at hogenkampfh.com