STEVEN FROBERG

STEVEN L. FROBERG

July 24, 1953 – October 23, 2024

Steven Lennart Froberg was born in Santa Paula, California to Stone and Joan (Robinson) Froberg on July 24th, 1953. His ancestors originally settled between Armona and Lemoore in 1880. His early years were spent in Southern California and most of his summers with family in Hanford, where he eventually moved and attended school, graduating from Hanford High School in 1971. Upon graduation from high school, Steve enlisted in the U.S. Army. After leaving active duty, he attended College of Sequoias (COS), where he played water polo and was a member of the 1973 Valley Conference Champion swim team. He graduated with academic honors from COS, where he also coached the women 's swim team.

Steve then attended the University of California at Santa Barbara, where he was enrolled in Army ROTC and was an active member of Theta Delta Chi fraternity. He graduated in 1976 as a Distinguished Military Graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in History and received a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Steve married his high school sweetheart, Marjorie (Douma) in 1977, and they spent the next 20 years moving (14 times) around the United States and the world in service to our country. He served multiple overseas tours. Steve earned a Master of Science degree from the University of Southern California in 1982.

Froberg dedicated 23 years of his life to serving as a soldier in our Army, a commitment that shaped much of his character and emphasized the importance of discipline, teamwork, and leadership. Most of his Army assignments were in combat logistics or weapon systems acquisition. He served in the 8th Infantry Division during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and his last assignment as a battalion commander was planning and execution of the U.S. deployment from Germany to the Balkans to support the NATO Bosnia peacekeeping mission in 1995-96. The Operation Joint Endeavor deployment was the largest and most complex movement of U.S. forces in Europe since the end of World War II. From early December 1995 to mid-February 1996, more than 24,000 soldiers, 200,000 tons of cargo, and 12,000 pieces of equipment reached Hungary and subsequently Bosnia. This included 409 trains delivering 7,340 freight and passenger cars, 507 buses, 1,770 cargo trucks, and approximately 1,350 U.S. Air Force cargo flights. Froberg was designated as a Distinguished Member of his Regiment in 1998 and awarded the Military (Ancient) Order of Saint Christopher in 1999. His many awards and decorations included overseas and campaign ribbons, the Legion of Merit, and the Parachutist Badge. He was a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and the Defense Systems Management College, and was selected to attend the U.S. Naval War College.

After retiring from the Army as a lieutenant colonel in 1997, he served as the City Manager of Lemoore, California for over seven years. During his tenure, the City of Lemoore received numerous awards for planning, economic development, redevelopment, and revitalization. Steve was recognized by the California State Legislature as the "Economic Development Professional of the Year" in 2000, and was honored by the Lemoore District Chamber of Commerce as the "Citizen of the Year" in 2003.

Steve left the City of Lemoore in 2004, and joined the leadership team of Ashwood Construction, Inc. He became the President of Ashwood in 2008. He enjoyed the people and work of construction until he left in 2015.

Steve served as an adult leader in both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts in Virginia, Kansas, Germany, Washington D.C., and California. He was a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church in Hanford, a place of significant family history where he formed lasting bonds with fellow congregants.

Although his military service took him all over the world, Steve always considered the San Joaquin Valley, specifically Kings County, "home". Always an engaged community member, he was the President of the South San Joaquin Valley City Managers Association and served on the governing board of several non-profit organizations, including the Hanford Carnegie Museum, Lemoore Rotary Club, Sarah A. Mooney Museum, Lemoore High School Foundation, Lemoore Christian Aid, Lower Kings River Historical Society, Lemoore Odd Fellows Lodge #280, and the Lemoore Yacht Club. Steve was also the Vice President of the California Council for Affordable Housing and served as Chair of the Planning Commission of the City of Hanford.

Froberg was a life member of Disabled American Veterans, Military Officers Association of America, the American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

In his younger years, he was a fitness nut, completing several marathons and many triathlons - he qualified for the U.S. Triathlon Series National Championship in 1987.

Steve was proud of his family and the dedication of his children and their spouses to service to our country in the Army and Navy. His son Rob followed him as an officer in the same U.S. Army Regiment, and his son-in-law Ryan is a U.S. Navy fighter pilot.

Steve was a beloved son, brother, friend, husband, father, uncle, and "Papa". He loved his family, his friends, and our country. He also had an affinity for dogs - strays always found their way into his home and heart. Steve's legacy is beyond measure. He made a difference, touched the lives of others, and left our world a better place. He has always been loved and will greatly be missed.

Steve is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Marj; his brother, Eric Froberg (Nancy); his son, Lt. Col. Robert Froberg (Mary); and his daughter, Emily Fulwider (Ryan). His legacy of love continues to shine through his beautiful grandchildren, Zoey, Henry, Danielle, and Caroline. He is also survived by his extended family, his many friends from throughout his life, and his loyal dog and constant companion, Maddie.

A memorial service to honor Froberg's life will be held at the Hanford Cemetery at the Army Tank Memorial on Saturday, November 23rd at 11AM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Steve's memory may be made to Fisher House Foundation (fisherhouse.org or 12300 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, MD, 20852) and Animal Rescue of Fresno (arf-fresno.com or 4545 East Dakota Avenue, Fresno, CA 93726).