Ernest Froemel
Ernest Froemel, age 82, of LaGrange, IL; beloved husband of Clare for 60 years; loving father of Chris (Jennifer) and Jonathan (Lisa) Froemel; cherished grandfather of Andrew, Nicolette, J.T., Abby, and Rowan; fond brother of Philippa Love, Regina Herdzina, Gillian Dreesen, and Robert Love; uncle and friend of many.
Ernie served as a difference maker and an inspiration in everything he did: in his professional life, his Scouting career, his faith, and most importantly, his family.
He spent almost 45 years at the University of Chicago, first as a research psychologist compiling psychological test batteries, and authoring others. These were used for promotion and hiring in public and private sectors, including a specific focus on police departments in Chicago, Detroit, Miami and the Indiana State Police. He then worked at the Computation Center – a precursor to the modern IT Department, winding up as one of the directors of NSIT (Network Systems and Information Technology). And contrary to Al Gore’s claims, if anyone invented the internet, it may have been Ernie – he operated from a dial-up modem out of the house in the late 1970s, long before remote work became a real option.
Ernie worked tirelessly at the University of Chicago, but somehow devoted even more time to his Scouting career. Ernie joined Troop 33 in La Grange as an Assistant Scoutmaster in 1982 and was almost immediately drafted to lead the troop at summer camp. His Scouting career took him from Camp Mach in Northern Wisconsin, to the Boundary Waters, to Fort AP Hill, the Summit, Sea Base, and Philmont Scout Ranch, with stops in Japan and Russia. He served in multiple local, regional and national leadership roles, and received awards and honors too numerous to count, including the Silver Beaver and the Silver Antelope (one of the highest honor a Scouter can obtain), and his 2010 induction into the Boy Scouts of America Hall of Leadership (the equivalent to the Scouting Hall of Fame). Most recently Ernie re-engaged with Scouting by assisting with his granddaughters’ Troop 31G. During his 43 years as a Scouter, Ernie focused on providing fun outdoor opportunities, leadership, and training to Scouts and Scout Leaders. He strived to ensure that the administrative side of Scouting America (previously BSA) did not distract from the focus on “the youth it set out to serve.”
Ernie was equally committed to his faith life at Saint Francis Xavier, the parish he joined 54 years ago. Ernie served multiple roles, including as a School Board Member, Eucharistic Minister, Minister of Care, Funeral Sacristan , and most recently with his role in TMIY and as a 6th Grade CCD teacher. He even dressed up as Moses, unrecognizable with beard, staff and rubber snake! Again, Ernie focused on providing fun activities and leadership to youth and adults alike in these roles.
Finally, and most significantly, Ernie dedicated his life to his family. Ernie and Clare have been married almost 60 years, and traveled the highways and byways of the US and the world together. From annual road trips to the Outer Banks, or the West (where he almost never had to say “if you kids don’t shut up, I’m turning this car around”), to recent trips to Yellowstone, Utah and Philmont Scout Ranch with the grandkids, Ernie enthusiastically embraced travel and long road trips as a way to teach about the world around us.
Ernie served as a sounding board, a trusted advisor, and most significantly, as someone you knew was always available, and always looking for new and creative ways to spend time with family and friends. From backyard basketball where he served as the enforcer, to mountain biking (loose gravel became his arch nemesis and Scout first aid training absolutely came in handy), to hang gliding, to golfing for the first time at age 80, to baking (oh, the baking of the perfect pie!) and crafting with the grandkids, Ernie always embraced and cherished time with family, even if the activities may not have been his first choice.
Ernie was a pillar of unwavering stability, knowledge, and grace for not only his family, but countless others throughout his lifetime. He led poignantly yet gently, leaving an eternal mark on everyone whom he interacted with. We could not have been more blessed to have him in our lives.
Visitation 3 to 9pm Wednesday, July 2 at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside. Funeral prayers 9:45am Thursday, July 3 from the funeral home to St. Francis Xavier Church, 124. N. Spring Ave., LaGrange. Mass 10:30am. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to St. Francis Xavier Church, the Congregation of St. Joseph, or the International Wolf Center (wolf.org) are appreciated.
Funeral Info: (708)352-6500
So much love for this man and his family! Ernie (alongside Clare!) has been a mentor and a servant leader to our family and in our community for so many years. We are blessed and grateful to have known him since arriving at St Francis 5 years ago.
From sharing his wisdom and insight with the young fathers of the parish, to leading our children in catechesis and scouting, to quiet leadership in the background of liturgies, parish transitions, pastoral council, and so much more. Ernie will be so dearly missed in this life – but heaven is REJOICING to receive this “good and faithful servant” of God.
Love and prayers for Ernie, Clare, and the Froemel family from a young family who looks up to you and admire you all so very much.
Sweet, sweet Ernie…my big brother found later in life, who was a pleasure to have finally known these past 35 years. To have enriched our lives with such a truly wonderful brother and family was a dream come true. Lovingly, Gill xo
My deepest condolences to the family on your loss.
“For though you’re gone, your legacy lives, In the love and light that it gives.”
Oh man. I am so sorry to hear about Ernies passing. I enjoyed working at Philmont with him. He was friendly and fun to be around. Prayers for peace and comfort to you and your family.
So sorry to hear about your family’s loss. Sending love from the Van Gorps during this hard time.
We are so sorry to hear this news. What a wonderful man – gave so much of himself to others! Condolances to Claire and all his family.
Tom & Pat Nelson
Ernie is truly the best of us. He was a cornerstone of our church.. Humble as can be. Pure of heart. A social justice warrior. Kind with a gentle laugh that put everyone at ease immediately. He brought out the best in us and was truly… The best of us. I know that his heart is with God… And may we all make a difference on this earth the way that our friend, Ernie did. We now have an angel in heaven heralding us home. And our thoughts and prayers are with Claire and their family.
He was my mentor to pursue the Commissioner role in Scouting. The few years I was able to be active as a Cub Unit Commissioner Ernie was my inspiration. RIP friend.
My sorrow for my cousin Clarita and her family. Ernie was a wonderful person and a great member to our family. We will have fond memories of him. My he rest in Peace.
Sending love, light and comfort.
I’m heartbroken to learn of Ernie’s passing. He was a brother from another Mother to me. We so enjoy Claire and their family and will continue to do so.
Judi and I are at Ernie’s favorite place Philmont Scout Ranch or I’d be at your beckon call to be with family to celebrate my Wonderful friends life. We love you all and our prayers are with you all.
Love yas
Chuck & Judi Walneck
Jason and I are holding Chris, Jennifer and the whole family in our thoughts and prayers. Sending you all much love and support.
My deepest sympathy to Clarita and family.
I have many fond memories of Ernie during your years at Tilden.
You are in my prayers.
Mary Ellen Kalchbrenner (Bruner)
I will forever cherish my memories of working with Ernie in Commissioner Service in the Central Region of the BSA. If Ernie had a thought it was always worthy of the time to listen and ponder. He truly had a servant’s heart. My thoughts are with your family as you gather now and in the time ahead.
Clare, to you and your family I offer my deepest sadness and prayers. Right now I can not be with you, but I want you to know how much I respected and admired Ernies friendship for all and his deep sprituality. I never saw another couple so giving to others and so united in love. Your kindness to me over the eight years I was with you was always appreceited. God Bless and I will be praying with you while you are at Mass. Fr. Bill Killeen
My wife and I were deeply saddened to hear of Ernie’s passing. We had the blessing of getting to know him through our time volunteering together at St. Francis Xavier, and we will always remember his kindness and thoughtfulness he brought to everything he did. He made us feel welcome when we joined Saint Francis Xavier and he was an excellent role model for me through his participation in That Man is You.
He truly lived his faith in service to others, and it was an honor to have had the chance to spend time with him. My thoughts and prayers are with Ernie’s family during this difficult time. May God grant you comfort and peace.
I deeply regret conflicts have prevented my joining Ernie’s wake and funeral.
Ernie was, for me, the living embodiment of what it means to be a good man and a dedicated leader.
My most sincere condolences to Clare and the whole family.
Condolences to the whole Froemel Family. A pillar in the SFX church and school community.
Ernie was a mentor at our Wood Badge course. He trained me for Venturing. I would help him teach at Commissioner College at Hamburger Univ. He had passion for Scouting. He was my mentor and he will sorely missed in the Scouting Community. My condolences to the family.