Lawrence L. Fronk

Lawrence L. Fronk, 91, died on August 14, 2024, in Oconomowoc, WI.

He was born on December 10, 1932, in Packwaukee, WI, the son of the late Lawrence L. Fronk, Sr. and Bernice (Plant) Fronk. At the age of five, Leonard Schmitt became his stepfather.

He was baptized in 1933, at First Presbyterian Church, Packwaukee, and confirmed his faith in Jesus as his Lord and Savior in 1953 at Grace Lutheran Church in Dalton, WI.

Larry grew up primarily in Dalton, WI, where he developed a love of hunting and fishing and was an excellent student and athlete, graduating from Markesan High School in 1950 where he lettered in football, basketball, and baseball.

He enrolled at Wisconsin State College in LaCrosse, WI with the desire to make teaching and coaching his profession. He graduated in 1956 with a B.S. in Education, with emphasis in physical education and science. While a student there, he was a member of the Naval Reserves until the end of the Korean War in 1953.

On June 20, 1953, he married his high school sweetheart, Ardyce J. Zanto. They were blessed with 71 years of marriage and three sons, Thomas, David, and Robert.

Larry’s first teaching and coaching job was in Johnson Creek, WI where they lived from 1956-1959. In 1959 Ardyce and Larry moved their young family to Fort Atkinson, WI where he taught in the middle school science department and coached 9th grade basketball and varsity baseball for many years, impacting a generation of students and athletes. In the summers, he operated an aluminum siding business, never writing a contract for his services. His handshake was his bond.

As a young adult he played Home Talent Baseball with the city teams of Dalton, Markesan, Johnson Creek, and Fort Atkinson for 17 summers. He began golfing later in life and enjoyed that sport well into his retirement years. He was also an excellent bowler and enjoyed playing cards with his many friends.

In 1973 Larry and Ardyce and two partners built and managed King Pin Lanes (now Rock River Lanes), which was the first bowling alley in Wisconsin to have automatic scoring machines.

Larry was a dedicated member of Bethany Lutheran Church for many years and was deeply involved in both leadership and service activities there. He also was a Kiwanis Club member and volunteer in the Fort Atkinson Youth Baseball program.

Larry greatly enjoyed traveling and cruising. The warm weather ports in the Caribbean were some of his favorite stops. He and Ardyce visited all 50 states and many foreign countries. They also wintered in Florida for many years.

Larry will be remembered for his gregarious personality and ready laugh. He was a fun person to be around, ready to tell an amusing story and equally ready to listen to yours. He was comfortable in any crowd. He showed us by his example what is important: honesty, integrity, respectfulness, caring for one’s family and faith in God.

He leaves behind his adoring wife of 71 years, Ardyce; three sons, Tom (Robin), Dave (Laurie) and Rob (Kelly); grandchildren Courtney Perry, Reid Fronk, Allison Chan, Graham Fronk and Jake Fronk; sister, Donna Tamboli; 6 great grandchildren; nephews; nieces; and their families.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Bethany Lutheran Church, Fort Atkinson.

Friends may come to pay their respects after 2 p.m. on Saturday at the church until the time of services.

Private Family Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Evangelical Child and Family Agency, 1617 S. 124th St., New Berlin, WI or Bethany Lutheran Church, or Crown of Life Christian Academy.

www.DunlapMemorialHome.com

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