Larry Froelich

Larry Lee Froelich, 86, Mandan, passed away January 18, 2025, at his home in Mandan.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Mandan with Fr. Nick Schneider celebrating. Burial will follow at Mandan Union Cemetery. 

Visitation will be from 4-6 PM with a Knights of Columbus Rosary and Parish Vigil at 6 PM on Wednesday, January 22 at Weigel Funeral Home in Mandan.

Larry was born in Mandan on December 11, 1938, to Joseph and Martha Mae (Collis) Froelich of Selfridge. He grew up in Selfridge with his two younger sisters, Lynne and Maureen. They attended grade school in the basement of St. Philomena Catholic Church. After completing 6th grade, Larry attended and graduated from Assumption Abby High School in Richardton, ND.

When Larry was old enough, he would help his dad do work on surrounding farms or ranches. He became an expert at rock picking and his interests in rocks and minerals grew as he became college ready. Larry enrolled at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks where he planned to pursue his interests in becoming a geologist. Larry loved studying rocks and minerals. One day he read a passage that changed his course of study. He read, “Water is the greatest of gifts that man can give to man.” At that point, Larry began studying to become a hydrologist. He began working for the North Dakota State Water Commission and was proud of the work he did to help area farmers, ranchers, and small towns find water and build successful long-lasting wells. He enjoyed working on the drilling rigs and established many lifelong friendships.

Larry, a single parent, had four young boys, Terry Lee, Edward Dean, Danny Alan, and Larry Michael, to raise while attempting to navigate both his work and family time. In 1969, he met Margy and it was love at first sight. They were married within six months of their first date. With this marriage, Larry gained a bonus son, Jim Aduddell. Their home became a whirlwind of activity with five boys all under the age of nine! In 1972, Margy and Larry welcomed another son, William Joseph who completed their family of six boys! During this time Larry accepted a position with Consolidation Coal Company. He enjoyed his work as he was able to spend more time with his family. 

In 1977, tragedy struck when Larry’s oldest son Terry, died in a car accident at the age of 17. Shortly after, Larry’s employment transferred them to Aurora, Colorado. It was hard to adjust to the big city life and after about three and a half years the family moved back to Bismarck, where Larry accepted employment with Basin Electric. This led to another move, this time to Beulah, ND where Larry held a position at the Coal Gasification Plant. After the plant was sold, Larry and his family moved back to Mandan and Larry worked for the Rural Water Association until his retirement in the early 2000’s. 

Larry was brought up in an environment of strong religious faith, influenced by his dedicated parents and the church community. His faith grew over his lifetime, and in 1989, he guided his wife Margy through her conversion, including all the Sacraments. For the past thirty-one years Larry and Margy lived across the street from Christ the King Catholic Church in Mandan and have been involved as much as possible in volunteer work and church activities. Larry loved to look at the cross above the church from his window. This cross serves as a constant reminder to “Trust in Jesus”. This beautiful cross displays the changing colors according to the church year. 

On June 19, 2024, Larry achieved 38 years of sobriety, the same day as his father’s birthday. These Promises and his faith, sometimes as small as a mustard seed, helped Larry achieve continuous sobriety through the many souls who came to him for guidance and support. 

In Larry’s last days, his suffering made it difficult for him to speak. He seemed to fight for clarity as he was in and out of awareness. The day before he passed, he called for Margy to come to him. When she approached, he said to her with awareness and clarity, “Three things, remember, three things. God is good, be humble, and I will love you always”, as he held her hand with his remaining physical strength. 

Larry is survived by Margy, his loving wife of 55 years; their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren; Ed (Donna) and their children, Michael (Rebekah), Joshua (Hailey), Kaleb (Jacey), and KaraLyn, and Larry’s great grandchildren, Hayden and Hunter; Bill (Deanna) and their children, Sky, Joseph, and Ottilia; Jim Aduddell (Kandace), and Jim’s son, Matthew; grandson, Terry Joe, (son of Danny, deceased) and Larry’s great granddaughter, Addy; and grandson, Jesse (Samora), and Larry’s great grandson, Lio; Larry’s sisters, Lynne Kraft and her sons, Troy and Travis and Maureen (Bob) Yantzer and their sons, Brad and Ryan.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Martha Mae; his sons, Terry Lee in 1977 and Danny Alan in 2022.

The family wants to acknowledge the amazing care Larry and Margy received from the St. A’s Home Health & Hospice and the outstanding attention and love that was received from Jessica Ahmann and Kathy from Palliative Care as well as Grant Wilz, Larry’s home nurse who provided him with care above and beyond. Additional gratitude to two special friends, Wendi Keller-Clanton and Tina Pfenning Bender.