Eugene Froemming

Eugene Borris Froemming was born December 28, 1929 in Leaf Valley Township, the son of Bernard and Evelyn (Foslin) Froemming. He was baptized as a Missouri Synod Lutheran the day he was born. Gene grew up in Leaf Valley and later moved to Alexandria when he was in the seventh grade. He graduated from high school in Alexandria. Gene worked for his father at Valley Mercantile where he delivered soda pop and beer. Gene served in the United States Army from 1951 to 1953; he was stationed in Japan. On September 4, 1953 Gene was united in marriage to Delores Hanson at Ness Lutheran Church in Elbow Lake, MN. The couple made their home in Alexandria and was blessed with five children. Gene began working for Singer Sewing Machine in Alexandria in 1955. He learned to repair the machines and also sold them. In 1979 Gene and Delores moved to Bemidji where Gene owned and operated Sewing Machine Unlimited. He retired in 1995. In 2001 Gene and Delores moved to St. Cloud, MN to be closer to their sons. Part of Gene?s reason for moving to Bemidji was his love for the great outdoors. Gene bought land on a lake close to Itasca State Park and built a cabin there. He was an avid hunter. He enjoyed fishing in the summer and winter. Gene also loved to go camping and just spend time outdoors. He also enjoyed traveling and has been to Alaska. While in Alexandria Gene served as a Boy Scout Leader. He was also active in the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. On Wednesday, February 23, 2011 Gene died at the age of eighty-one years. He is survived by his wife, Delores Froemming of St. Cloud; four sons, Bruce Froemming and Mark Froemming, both of Minneapolis and Keith (Cheryl) Froemming and Dean (Kim) Froemming, both of St. Cloud; his step-mother, Zinola Froemming of Woodbury; sister Charlotte Grundei of Woodbury; brother Russell (Donna) Froemming of Sauk Centre; five grandchildren, Jason Thelen, Joseph Froemming, Aaron Froemming, Jennifer Miska and Joan Miska; and five great grandchildren. Gene was preceded in death by his son, Eugene Froemming, Jr.; and two brothers, Duane and Roland Froemming. A funeral service was held Monday, February 28, 2011 at Zion Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Rev. Donald Wilke officiated. Irma Brockberg provided music.