Eugene "Gene" Frisch

Mass of Christian Burial for Eugene "Gene" F. Frisch, age 93, formerly of Norfolk, will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, October 17, 2025, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Norfolk. Reverend Vincent Germace will be the celebrant. Inurnment will take place at a later date at St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery in Battle Creek.
The Mass will be livestreamed on the funeral home website.
Visitation will be Thursday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Home for Funerals Chapel, 708 Georgia Avenue, in Norfolk, with a 7:00 pm. Vigil Service.
Home for Funerals in Norfolk is in charge of arrangements.
Eugene "Gene" Frank Frisch, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Echo Hills Assisted Living in La Vista, Nebraska. Just one week after the passing of his beloved wife, Roseann, Gene followed her, unable to live without the love of his life. Their bond was unbreakable in life and remains so in memory.
Gene was born on August 19, 1932, to Joseph Frisch Sr. and Anna (Peatrowsky) Frisch. He grew up west of Madison, Nebraska, and attended District 85 School. In August 1953, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he proudly served as a military policeman at Oakland Army Base in California until June 1955. He continued his service in the U.S. Army Reserves until August 1961 at which time he was honorably discharged.
Following his service to our country, Gene returned home to farm the land west of Madison, land originally homesteaded by his great-grandfather. He farmed side by side with his brother Joe for many years, continuing a proud family tradition rooted in hard work and dedication.
On February 7, 1959, he married the love of his life, Roseann Brink, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Humphrey, Nebraska. Together, they built a beautiful life, raising their family with faith, love and devotion.
Gene had a strong love for both sports and music. He was an avid fastpitch softball player for St. Francis de Sales team and earned the nickname "Fireball Frisch" for the blazing speed of his pitches. On Sundays, he sang joyfully in the church choir while Roseann played the organ, a tradition they cherished together.
In the winter months, when farm work slowed down, Gene lent his skills to a local carpenter, helping with remodeling projects, home additions, and repairs throughout the community. He had a natural talent for building and an even greater passion for helping others.
Later, Gene and Roseann moved to Estes Park, Colorado, where he served as maintenance director at Harmony Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Center. His quiet strength and kindness made a difference in many lives during their time there. In 1988, they returned to Nebraska, settling in Norfolk.
In July 1989, Gene began working at The Meadows, first as the maintenance director and later as a limousine driver for the residents. In 2002, Gene was honored in Lincoln, Nebraska by the Nebraska Assisted Living Association with the Environmental Services Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the care and well-being of residents. His commitment to excellence continued to shine, and in 2009, he was named Employee of the Year at The Meadows, a testament to his unwavering dedication and service to residents, staff, and friends alike. Over the course of 31 years, Gene became a beloved part of The Meadows community, not just for his hard work, but for his warm heart, ready smile, and the joy he brought through singing and stage performances for the residents. Gene retired at the age of 88 and his favorite story to tell was how he was able to drive the "old people" around, most of which were younger than he was. He also lent his beautiful voice to countless weddings and funerals over the years.
Gene, a proud U.S. Army Veteran, was nominated by his niece, Joyce, to receive a Quilt of Valor. This meaningful recognition was awarded to honor his service and sacrifice. The Quilt of Valor serves as a tangible expression of gratitude from a grateful nation.
Gene's generosity was evident in countless small acts of kindness. Each spring, he planted extra rows of sweet corn, which he harvested and delivered several pickup loads to neighbors and those who had retired from farming-never asking for anything in return, just happy to share.
In retirement, Gene started helping Roseann with quilting as a way to stay active and give back, donating many of their handmade quilts to Least of My Brethren, a charitable organization in Omaha serving those in need.
A devoted family man, Gene found true happiness in spending time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He especially loved going out to the farm to visit his nephews, "the boys." He rarely missed his children and grandchildren's games, concerts, or school events, cheering proudly from the sidelines, always their biggest fan. His steady presence and unwavering support meant the world to those who loved him. Gene had a special gift for giving many around him a nickname, a gesture that reflected his playful spirit and affection. In return, he was lovingly known as "Mean Gene" by his son-in-law, John, a nickname given with a smile, as everyone knew he didn't have a mean bone in his body.
Gene's legacy is one of love, laughter, faith, and service. He lived humbly and gave freely, touching countless lives with his kindness, craftsmanship, and song.
Gene is survived by his children, Frank Frisch of Valley, Janet (John) Lapour of Omaha, and Lisa (Randy) Wilcox of Norfolk; twelve grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Roseann; his parents, Joe and Anna Frisch; his siblings and their spouses, Agnes (Joe) Geilenkirchen, Viola (Tom) Finkral, Joseph (Delores) Frisch Jr., Marcella (Ambrose) Reinhart, George (Monica) Frisch, Kathaleen (Jim) Frauendorfer; and infant sister Gertrude.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to St. Mary's Catholic Church in Norfolk, St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Omaha, or Least of My Brethren in Omaha.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.homeforfuneralsinc.com.
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