Eugene L. "Gene" Froeliger

Eugene 'Gene' L. Froeliger

Died: May 28, 2021

STERLING – It is with profound sadness that the family of Gene Froeliger announce his peaceful passing at Rock River Hospice on May 28th, 2021, at the age of 79.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Jeri of 58 years; his children, Michelle (Chuck) Musgrove of Sterling, IL and Brett (Gina) Froeliger of Columbia MO; his grandchildren, Amanda (Evan) Ochiltree of New Orleans, LA, Hayden, Wil, and Jude Froeliger of Columbia, MO; and special furry companion Raleigh Musgrove.

Gene was predeceased by his parents, Minnie and Jack Froeliger; daughter, Kimberly Frieberg; granddaughter, Peyton Frieberg; and his two faithful black Labs, Bubba and Shen.

Gene was born in Sterling, IL and attended St. Paul's Lutheran Church for his faith and Sterling Public Schools. He graduated from Sterling High School, Sauk Valley Community College, and Northern Illinois University. He learned the love of the Lord from his mom Minnie and his love of cars from his dad Jack.

Gene's great love of cars came from working with his dad in their garage. He took great pride in buying his first car in high school and cruised with his best friends Gene Hafner – " the two Eugenes" – and Don Peterson.

Gene started working at Frantz Mfg. in 1961 and invested himself in the company, through education, hard work, strong character, and leadership through the manufacturing challenges at Frantz. Gene met his wife Jeri, and they married in 1963 and had three children. Through hard work, love of family, and patience they worked together to create a life and family.

One of Gene's favorite childhood memories of spending time at Plummer Lake came to fruition in 1994 when he and Jeri built the cabin of their dreams on Plummer Lake. Family and friends enjoyed fishing, campfires, and times on the lake all four seasons. Gene may have been a quiet soul but with the right people he could always joke around and had an infectious giggle.

If we learned any life lessons from him, they would be:

Respect others and no one is better than anyone else

Support family and friends

Sock your money away

Make Lists

Never let the gas in your car get below half a tank

Visitation for Gene will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 5, with a celebration of life starting at 3 p.m., at Schilling Funeral Home.

Donations may be made to Rock River Hospice in memory of Gene Froeliger.The family wishes to send a special thank you to the exceptional and compassionate care from Gaffey Home Nursing who cared for Gene at home and Rock River Hospice who cared for him through his Final Journey.

Gene's family would greatly appreciate and ask if masks can be worn.