Julius A. Frenier

1927 - 2017

Julius A. Frenier obituary, 1927-2017

BORN

1927

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Anchorage Funeral Home & Crematory

1800 Dare Ave.

Anchorage, Alaska

Julius Frenier Obituary

The only son of Alfons and Susanna Frenier, immigrants from Roeselare, Belgium, Julius Alphonse Frenier was born on Dec. 11, 1927, in Maumee, Ohio. "Doc" Frenier died peacefully in his log home in Anchorage, Alaska, on Oct. 18, 2017. He loved the outdoors, Alaska, his family and his country. He was educated in St. Joseph's Catholic School and Maumee High School (Hall of Fame, 2003) where he earned a football scholarship to Miami of Ohio University. He graduated from there in 1950, and began teaching in McKinley Occupational School in Dayton, Ohio. Soon after school began, he was drafted and entered the United States Army as a Private in 1950. He was later selected for Officer Candidate School (OCS) and retired as a Lt. Colonel in 1980. His military career spanned 30 years, during which he served in combat in both the Korean War and Vietnam conflict, as well as at duty posts in Okinawa, Japan, and the United States. He attended many military schools, including the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. His tour in Alaska began in Fairbanks (Fort Wainwright), where he was the Deputy Commander 171st Infantry Brigade, and then Commander of the Sixth Battalion, Ninth Infantry. He attended the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Va., and then returned to Alaska, where he was assigned at ALCOM on Elmendorf Air Force Base until his retirement. "Doc" earned numerous military awards and decorations, including the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star, both with oak leaf clusters. He was the Honor Graduate of his Ranger School class. He was also earned the coveted Combat Infantry Badge. He earned his Master Parachute Badge and proudly wore his gold wings, having made 123 parachute jumps. His military duties led him to locations throughout the world, from South America to the Arctic Ice Cap. Often he was in harm's way and later he said, "I am grateful for the opportunity to have served my country and glad that I made it all the way through in one piece." After college, Julius married Helen Shirley Long of Carrollton, Ohio. They were a family with four young children when Shirley died suddenly in 1965. "Doc" continued with his military duties as he maintained a home for the children. Before long he met and married an Army widow, Hannah Abernethy Widder, who had two children of her own. Together they created a happy home and added another child to the family. Now there were seven wonderful children who grew into seven wonderful men and women. After retirement from the U.S. Army, "Doc" returned to the classroom, where he enjoyed a second career teaching and influencing young people. A technology teacher at Robert Service High School in Anchorage for 10 years, he was head of the Vocational Department there and also a drafting instructor at the University of Alaska, Anchorage. He was the Technology Curriculum Consultant for the Anchorage School District until 1997. All the children graduated from Anchorage high schools. Doc was proud of each of them and gladly bragged about their college degrees and meaningful professions. He had been raised with strong values and he passed those on to his children. He said he was grateful for all he had - "provided by the Grace of God." "Doc" was an avid fisherman and waterfowl hunter. He spent many opening days of duck season at the Duck Shack on Susitna Flats. He traveled to Canada, Washington state, North Dakota, Texas and Louisiana, following the migration of ducks and geese, to hunt with his Labrador retrievers and his sons and grandsons. Back home, he enjoyed working in his shop and teaching his children and grandchildren life lessons as well as fine craftsmanship. Julius Frenier is survived by his widow, Hannah A. Frenier; and their seven children, Lt. Col. (Ret.) David J. Frenier (Sandra) of Anchorage, Douglas Frenier (Deborah Jean) of Norfolk, Va., Dr. Susan Frenier O'Neal (Garry) of Argyle, Texas, John M. Widder (Julie) of Singapore, Mary Widder Symonds ("Mike") of Malaga, Wash., Sharon Frenier Everson (Bryan) of Lubbock, Texas, and Suzzanna Frenier Nofsinger (John) of Anchorage, Alaska. Additionally, he is survived by 21 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, Augusta and Alfons Frenier; his sisters, Marie Frenier Beck and Flavia Frenier Grove; his first wife, Shirley Long Frenier; and his grandson, Daniel Frenier. "No man has ever had a greater life than I have had - two great wives, seven wonderful children and a long life to have enjoyed them." - J. A. Frenier. A Mass of Christian Burial at St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton Roman Catholic Church and burial at Fort Richardson National Cemetery will be held in the summer of 2018, when his family and friends can return to Alaska. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts to The Last Frontier Honor Flight, P.O. Box 530095, Big Lake, AK 99652; or to Providence Hospice, 4001 Dale Street, Suite 101, Anchorage, AK 99508; or to a charity of choice

Published by Anchorage Daily News on Oct. 29, 2017.
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Memories and Condolences
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My condolences to the family. May God give you strength in these difficult times as you draw close to him in prayer. Hold close your cherished memories until we can be with Doc once again.

November 9, 2017

Oh Hannah, I am so sorry to hear this sad news. My deepest condolences to you and your extended family. May the love you all shared and sweet memories envelop your grief.

November 4, 2017

My deepest condolences to all the family. Rest eternal grant unto him, O Lord: and let light perpetual shine upon him.

The Rev. David Terwilliger

November 2, 2017

So sorry to hear of Doc's passing. He was a kind and generous man. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Glenn Wright

October 31, 2017

I remember Doc from many, many years ago when he was my drafting teacher at Service High School. I initially saw him as a tough, formidable presence. He could be intimidating. Yet, as the school year went on, Doc took a liking to me. He knew that I wasn't going to be working in a drafting field, but he pushed me to do better, to improve. Those lessons stuck with me and I will always be grateful to Doc for helping develop my tenacity and work ethic. Condolences to Doc's family. We have truly lost a great one.

James Wiedle

October 30, 2017

Sending prayers of peace for all of Doc's family -- many wonderful memories at the Frenier house and the years of school and pool with Mary and Sharon. RIP Mr Frenier

Katie (Schroeder) Samuels

October 30, 2017

Doc was such a wonderful person and truly lived a beautiful, blessed life. We were so fortunate to be neighbors and members of the MurFreNultz gang in Rabbit Creek for thirty theee years. So many great memories of pig roasts, walks on the path between each other's homes and parties together. Our children were both blessed to have had Doc as a teacher at Service High and as a mentor and neighbor. We loved talking to Doc and hearing his stories. He was a man whose extensive experience and opinions were greatly respected. Doc will be missed by all.

Mary and Sig Murphy

October 30, 2017

I am extending my condolences to the family and friends. May the entire family find peace in knowing that God cares for you and your family and will help you during these difficult times. 1 Peter 5:6,7*

October 27, 2017

Sending thoughts of love and peace to the Frenier's and Widder's during this difficult time. Doc touched many lives. Thank you for sharing him with the world. I shall always remember him coming out of his classroom in upper G hall in his long lab coat and with his goggles (or was it his glasses) on his forehead and giving unruly high schoolers the what for when they went running past. A bit mad scientist....with the biggest heart. Rest in Peace Doc.

Mary Chouinard

October 26, 2017

So sorry to hear of Docs passing. He was my favorite teacher in High School and I have had the pleasure of knowing his youngest daughter, Anna, and spending time at their home as a teen. Doc and Hannah were the most wonderful people and treated me as if I was part of the family. After reading his life story, he sure did live it to the fullest and was so very blessed with having such a beautiful, loving family to share his life story with. My heart goes out to all of you. I have been forever blessed knowing your dear, sweet father and husband. May he rest in peace in our Father's arms.

Laura Foote (Goforth)

October 26, 2017

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