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Timothy Frye Obituary
Tim was a loving father and husband, a tireless civil servant, a pioneering and lifelong environmentalist, lover of literature and the performing arts, coach, mentor, and a shining, unconventional, wild one. He was a poetic-spirit, marching to the beat of his own drum, with a unique, provocative, and endearing sense of humor. To those lucky enough, he revealed his true trickster spirit.
His career as a professional educator was long and impactful. He was recognized by the State of Wisconsin in 2006 for 35 years of "commitment and service to the educational well-being" of the young people of Wisconsin. Like his father before him, he continued a legacy of community building through his altruism and generous investment of his life energy into the UW Badger hockey team, Mt. Horeb Co-op, Madison Civic Center, Barrymore Theater, Mt. Horeb cross-country team, Mt. Horeb soccer program, Mt. Horeb High School Ecology Club and Academic Decathlon Team, Bleu Mont Dairy, and the Dane County Greens.
Likewise, his four sons continue their father's legacy with their love of books, poetry, civic engagement, public service, sustainability, international travel, sporting, fishing, and alternative living. He is survived by four sons: Matthew, Joshua, Nathan, and Adam; six grandchildren: Finn, Arthur, Gabe, Audrey, El, and Des; his sisters Ellin and Mary, and his brothers Jeffrey and Joseph. A memorial service is planned for April 26, 2024. Details will be announced at a later date.
Memories and Condolences
for Timothy Frye
Dan Peterson
August 11, 2024
Very sorry we missed Mr. Fryes(coach). We live in California. Mr. Frye was my coach in cross country and did a excellent job! Loved Coach! Just wanted to tell his family this! Dan Peterson
Dan Peterson
March 28, 2024
I just found out Tim passed away. He was an outstanding teacher and he was also my cross country coach! I will miss Coach! Dan Peterson
Lynn and Tom Z
January 13, 2024
Tears and hugs. Love coming your way.
Michele, Jeff and Mary Frye
January 5, 2024
It is with great sadness that Tim left us on Christmas Eve. We have so many fond memories of Christmas's past. We feel fortunate that our family was home and could support each other as we celebrated his life. Thank you Tim for showing us how to live life in a very special way. Love to all the family
Sandy Hook
January 1, 2024
Thoughts and prayers to all of Tim´s family. I had the pleasure of being a student and then a colleague of Tim´s. Always enjoyed his positive perspectives! Hugs to his family.
Ann & Dan Davidson
December 30, 2023
To all the Fryes. Tim was a very warm person & always made you feel welcome. We send our love to all of you during this difficult time.
Linda Austin Norris
December 30, 2023
Mr Frye was My former teacher and He was just an all around nice person!! Prayers and Hugs to you all
Mark Krupinski
December 29, 2023
Losing Tim is painful. As a family man and teacher he touched many lives and made the world a better place. There is no finer legacy.
Jensine
December 29, 2023
Your teacherly antics and compassion are forever etched in my memory of high school. You noticed the shy ones and tried to draw us out, you saw the inner struggles and helped us know we were ok and normal. You sensed the insecurities and helped us laugh at ourselves. You instilled questions and purpose...from Amnesty International letters for extra credit to spending months planting a native prairie with us bare footed in the high school lawn for the Ecology club. Thank you for the formative years and laughs. You are unforgettable and larger than life. Love, Jensine, class of 1992.
Nicole (McLoughlin) Smith
December 29, 2023
My sincere condolences to an unforgettable and dynamic family on this loss. Tim Frye was one of my favorite teachers. He is part of why I went into teaching and later trade journalism. He was quirky, fun and spirited and he always had time for a chat. I lived at the bottom of 4th Street and I babysat a few times for the youngest Frye guys. Tim always made sure I got home safely (even though it was like two blocks and I was willing to walk). And, he saved me from a cold or rainy walk to school several times. We always had good chats about books and how not to be afraid of public speaking. Tim has also crossed my mind many a time as my own kids have gone through school. I have shared what a difference a good teacher can make and, when you find one, interact and soak up all you can learn from them. Tim was one of those teachers for me. He wasn't afraid to just "be" even amidst all his "doing." Thank you, Tim, for being a part of my education and for teaching me more than just academic skills but how to be just who I am. Love to all of you, Frye Family.
Zander Vera
December 29, 2023
Tim was my classmate at Edgewood High in Madison, Wisconsin. We met again at Mt. Horeb High School as teachers. Tim was a one-of-a-kind kind of guy. It is evident he touched the hearts of many students. Rest in peace, Tim. You will be missed.
Sara (Spaay) Frommeyer
December 29, 2023
Thanks for all the great memories Mr Frye. Your passion for advocating we be our most authentic selves has made many of us stronger better people. May you rest easy now.
Nicole scott
December 29, 2023
Dear Frye family
This saddens me to hear about his passing he was an amazing teacher he wasn´t just a teacher to me was a friend as well he will be much missed sincerely class of 2003 Mt. Horeb high school
Brian Hoffman
December 29, 2023
Dear Frye Family,
I was saddened to hear of Tim´s passing! I have many great memories of Tim both as a teacher and as A neighborhood dad.
Please be assured you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Brian Hoffman
Kim Kuehn
December 29, 2023
I worked with Tim at MHHS. He was loved by many! He made me laugh a lot, especially when I needed it most! We were partners at Sam´s Wholesale Store, and I´m pretty sure I paid every year! LOL My keys were missing at least once a week, hmmm. RIP my friend!
Linda Fariss
December 29, 2023
Tim was such a one-of-a-kind, mischievous soul and I always think of him fondly. He could bring a smile to your face and an accidental chortle with his take on whatever was happening. He was one of my favorite colleagues at MHHS and he will be sorely missed in this plane of existence. I'm sure he's thriving in the next one. My deepest condolences to his family. RIP Tim.
Stacey Esser (Buechele)
December 29, 2023
I am so sorry for your loss. He was an amazing man.
Jennifer Zweifel Mcmahan
December 28, 2023
My condolences to you, your father was truly a unique man and I enjoyed him as a teacher!
Alicia Ramirez
December 28, 2023
I am a 2006 graduate and student of Mr. Frye. He was an absolutely amazing educator and mentor. He had an abundant personality and sense of humor-everyone wanted to take his classes! You will be sorely missed, rest in peace, Mr. Frye<3
Ellin
December 28, 2023
We mustn´t forget the loving and involved spouses of Tim´s siblings.
Jeff(Michele), Ellin(Joe), Joe(Jodi)
Linda Johnson Garrett
December 28, 2023
Such a great educator and man! Exactly what Mt Horeb High School needed in the early 70's. Heartfelt thanks for all the lessons. May you rest in eternal peace.
Peg Roth
December 28, 2023
My sympathies to you and your families. Tim was certainly a unique individual who made a positive impact on so many people´s lives. Whether it was reading poetry over the intercom in April, sneaking one´s room keys, or sharing his love of literature Tim was an altruistic individual who will not be forgotten by us who had the honor of knowing him and teaching with him.
Lisa J Eckel
December 28, 2023
Mr.Frye was such a wonderful person and a very kind and thoughtful Teacher. RIP Mr.Frye. He had many accomplishments on this earth!! His Family is in our Thoughts and Prayers at this difficult time.
Jeremy Kessenich
December 28, 2023
So sorry for your loss. I had my first Choco-Taco from his ice cream cart that was a fundraiser for the Ecology Club. My favorite memory was he was whistling a calling for a dog in the hallway between classes so the halls were packed, and I asked him what he was doing, he seemed startled at my question and said he was just calling a dog to see if one would appear and went right back to calling and whistling for a dog. I hope you have fair winds and following seas Tim.
Theresa Bender
December 28, 2023
My condolences to you all. He was a much loved teacher.
Ellin Frye Purpora
December 28, 2023
Ellin Frye Purpora
December 28, 2023
Ellin Frye Purpora
December 28, 2023
Oh, big brother! I think back on all the amazing times we had growing up and the continued blessings we had as we all grew into adulthood.
Our parents taught us how to truly love, as a family.
We passed that down as we raised our children. I feel we are still as one.
We sent you off with great love and words of what´s beyond.
I truly miss and cherish you.
Oh, big brother you´re in a delightful place.
Shalom, shalom - Until we meet again
Ellin
Theresa Dolfen
December 28, 2023
So sorry for your loss of your beloved brother, father, and uncle. Tim always had something funny to say whenever I would visit my sister, Jodi, and his brother, Joe. Rest in peace, Tim.
Beth Scheele
December 28, 2023
Wonderful teacher, always heard what you had to say and had a special way of teaching! Not just a great teacher but a great man, he will be dearly missed! RIP Frye!
Cazmier J Banczak
December 28, 2023
During my high-school years, Tim made learning fun, he knew how to make you feel special and made any activity fun to be a part of. My deepest condolences to all of his family and friends. He is unforgettable and will be missed by all.
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