Paul J. Frohmader

Paul J. Frohmader, 93 of Jefferson, died on February 24, 2019 at Sunset Ridge Memory Care of Jefferson.

Paul, born May 13, 1925, was a lifelong resident of Jefferson and the eldest child of Clarence and Elizabeth (Sauer) Frohmader. Paul was also a lifelong parishioner of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. He attended St. John’s Grade School and Jefferson High School. Upon graduation from high school in 1943, Paul was drafted into the U.S. Army. He entered the Army Specialized Training Program (ASTP) and served in the 75th Infantry Division, which fought in the Battle of the Bulge. Upon discharge from the Army, he continued his education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He completed a degree in chemistry and graduate studies in biochemistry. He met his future wife, Ruth Luebs, on a blind date during college. They were married in 1950 and enjoyed 68 years together.

Paul worked at Ladish Malt (Cargill) for more than 40 years and ended his career as the Director of Quality Control. He was a member of the American Society of Brewing Chemists (ASBC) and Master Brewers Association of the Americas (MBAA). He was fond of sharing his love of beer with others – and often ordered tasting samples for family gatherings. In afterwork hours, Paul served his church as chairman of the school board and chairman of the budget committee. He also served as president of the Union Cemetery Association for many years.

Paul’s family was the center of his life. He is survived by his wife, Ruth, three children Sheri (Dave) Farabaugh, Barb (Pat) Donoghue, and Doug (Rosemary Raiche) Frohmader; four grandchildren Bridget (Jake) Nelson, Andrew Frohmader, Timothy Donoghue and Michael Frohmader; two great-grandchildren, Madison and Ryan Nelson. He is further survived by his brother, Richard Frohmader, and his sister, Beth Preuss.

Summer weekends were often spent with family and friends at Wind Lake, where Paul could be seen at the helm of the pontoon boat or manning the grill. He also occasionally had a paint brush in his hand. Paul was an avid gardener and reader. In retirement years, he enjoyed traveling the world, building memories with Ruth, and being a wonderful Papa to the grandkids.

Paul will be remembered for his wit, wisdom and gentle spirit.

The family would like to express a sincere thank you to the staff of Sunset Ridge Memory Care and Rainbow Hospice for the excellent care provided.

Paul’s life will be celebrated at a funeral service on Friday, March 1, 2019 at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church of Jefferson with Rev. Matt Kranke presiding. Visitation will be from 9:00AM until the time of service at the church.  Paul’s body will be laid to rest at Union Cemetery following the funeral service.

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