is with deep sorrow and a profound sense of gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of our beloved father and grandfather, Orville “Orv”, of Sheboygan, WI (formerly of Port Washington, WI). Orv was called home by the Lord on Monday, August 19th, 2024, at the age of 91, at the Sheboygan Senior Community Nursing Home.
We find comfort in knowing that his beloved wife, Mary Donna, was there to greet him, taking his hand and leading him in a joyful dance into heaven. Born on September 23rd, 1932, Orv was the 10th of 13 children, a son to William Sr. and Hertha (Hetzel) Froh. He entered this world at home in the Town of Rhine Center, Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, where he would grow to be a loving brother and a cherished friend to many.
A graduate of Sheboygan Central High School, Class of 1950, Orv held various jobs before enlisting in the Army in 1953. He served honorably in Germany until his discharge in 1955. Orv married the love of his life, Mary Donna Jocis, on May 26, 1956. Together, they celebrated 64 years of marriage, a union blessed with four children: Tess and Tim (twins), Mary, and Monica. Their life together was one of deep love, mutual respect, and unwavering commitment, even as they moved across Wisconsin to support Orv’s career as a Wisconsin State Patrol Trooper, State Patrol Inspector, and ultimately, Supervisor of the DMV Milwaukee Dealer Section.
Orv was a lifelong learner, earning an associate degree in Police Science from MATC in 1977 and a BS degree in Criminal Justice from Milton College in 1980. His family proudly cherishes his self-published autobiography, a labor of love he completed with the help of his granddaughter, Kathryn Doers, and friend Erika Vo.
Throughout his life, Orv was dedicated to serving others. He volunteered at the Port Washington Food Pantry and was actively involved with the St. Vincent DePaul Society, the Salvation Army Board, and the Port Washington Lions Club, where he served as President in 1992. Orv’s dedication was recognized with several Lions Club awards, including the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellowship Award. Whether ringing the Red Kettle bells, selling Lions Calendars, or helping at the Lions Club fish stand on Fish Day, Orv gave his all to every cause he believed in. Proud of his military service, Orv took great pride in his 2016 Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., with his son Tim by his side. Afterward, he became an advocate for the Honor Flight organization, eager to help other veterans experience the same sense of honor and remembrance.
Orv and Mary Donna shared a love of dancing, traveling, and making memories with friends. They visited nearly all 50 states and traveled to Europe, always open to new adventures and friendships. Their home was a warm and welcoming haven for family and friends alike, filled with laughter, love, and the spirit of togetherness. Orv’s most cherished moments were spent with his family. To his children, he was more than just a father—he was a mentor, a helper, a cook, a supporter, and a tireless driver on countless family vacations. His love for his family was evident in everything he did, and his legacy lives on through the many lives he touched.
Orv leaves behind a loving family: his son, Tim (Debbie) Froh of Fond du Lac, WI; his daughters, Tess (Gary) Smith of Carterville, IL, Mary (Randy) Doers of McFarland, WI, and Monica Froh of Sheboygan, WI; and his cherished grandchildren, Adam (Nikki) Meyer of Wentzville, MO, Carli Doers (Pete Wang) of Brooklyn, NY, and Kathryn Doers of St. Paul, MN. He was also a proud great-grandfather to Landon, Logan, and Layton Meyer of Wentzville, MO, and Henry Wang of Brooklyn, NY. Orv is survived by his siblings William Froh Jr., Richard (Marilyn) Froh of Sheboygan, WI, and Gloria Carpenter of Stoughton, WI. He took immense pride in his family and treasured the moments spent together.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Orv at 10:00 am on Friday, September 13th, 2024, at St. John XXIII-St. Mary’s Church, 430 Johnson St., Port Washington, WI. The family will receive visitors starting at 9:00 am until the start of the service. Following the service, there will be a private burial at Immaculate Conception Parish Cemetery in Sheboygan, WI.
Orv often shared these words of wisdom: “Yesterday is the past, tomorrow is the future, but today is a gift, that’s why it’s called the present.” His family hopes these words will continue to inspire all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Orv’s name can be made to the Port Washington Food Pantry. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Sheboygan Senior Community for their compassionate care of Orv during the past two years.
The Reinbold Novak Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.reinboldfh.com
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