Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Dorothy Frencel Obituary
Oct 12, 1940 - Jan 6, 2026
Dorothy Frencel, 85, of Portage passed away peacefully January 6, 2026 with loving family at her side.
She was born October 12, 1940, in East Chicago to Joseph Frencel and Angeline (nee Robak) Frencel Behn.
Dorothy was a graduate of Roosevelt High School and Purdue University. She was a teacher at Lafayette Elementary School in Hammond for 31 years. During retirement, Dorothy worked part time at the Porter County Tourism Bureau and volunteered for Meals on Wheels and at Porter Hospital.
She is survived by sister, Josephine Clark; brother-in-law William Tumolo; nephews, George Clark, Brian (Penny) Simones, and Ronald Simones; nieces, Karen (Robert) Kristapovich, Cindy (John) Ravenhill, Linda (Jose Juan) Blanco, Ruth (James) Stewart; Naomi (Greg) Horne, Janelle (Westor) Jacome, Becky (Frank) Pariso; special friends, Maria and her late husband, Roger Hare; special neighbors on her street; and former teachers at Lafayette Elementary School in Hammond.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her mother, Angeline Frencel Behn (nee Robak) and father, Joseph Frencel; sisters Julianne Tumolo and Valeria (Myron) Simones; brother-in-law George Clark; and nephews, Joseph and Daniel Simones.
Cremation will take place. Per Dorothy's wishes, the funeral will be private. Graceland Cemetery, 1505 E Morthland Drive, Valparaiso, is caring for the arrangements. The family is planning a celebration of life to be held this spring.
In Dorothy's words, a shout out to her go-to computer man and Mr. Fix-lt, Frank Pariso.
Please send condolences to the family at www.LakeviewFHC.com.
In lieu of flowers, Dorothy has requested donations be made to Doctors Without Borders.
Memories and Condolences
for Dorothy Frencel
Sponsored by The Times.
2 Entries
Barbara Salcedo
January 15, 2026
So sorry to hear of Dorothy´s passing. Friends since grade school. Josephine was my best friend starting in grade school when we were in orchestra together. She played the cello and I played the violin. Our friendship lasted through high school and beyond. So it came down to short notes In Christmas cards and Birthday cards. I hope she is doing well.
How you can show support
George clark
January 11, 2026
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
Make a Donation
in Dorothy Frencel's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Dorothy Frencel
Funeral services provided by:
Lakeview Funeral Home & Crematory247 W. Johnson Road, La Porte, IN 46350
People and places connected with Dorothy
Munster, IN
The Times
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Dorothy's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Dorothy Frencel's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
