Frome named Spencer Citizen of the Year
This year’s Spencer Citizen of the Year has helped out his community in a variety of capacities over the years, and has sincerely enjoyed it. Wayne Frome was recognized as Citizen of the Year at the Music in the Park event in the Spencer Lions Park last Wednesday. True to form, he wasn’t just sitting and listening to the music, but was walking around selling raffle tickets to raise money for the band stage project.
Village board member Bill Hoes shared a list of Frome’s accomplishments, finally announcing his name at the end. He presented Frome with a plaque and congratulated him. “I never expected that. It’s unreal,” said Frome afterward. “I really enjoy doing things for Spencer. I’m very honored and very impressed.”
Frome grew up in Colby on a farm and was used to working “365 days a year.” He has kept busy in his adult life, not content to sit on the sidelines, especially when it comes to community projects. He moved to Spencer in 1974. In the early 1990s, he spent time with teenage boys so they would stay out of trouble. He helped 17 kids between the ages of 13 and 17 over the years. Three or four of the boys even stayed with Frome and his wife.
Frome helped with Spencer Kids Group when it was first getting organized. He also was very involved in the remodeling projects for Spencer Kids Group. He was on the planning committee for the Spencer Police Department K9 unit.
He has helped with early morning cleanup in the Lions Park after bands played for Spencerama Days. He also cleaned up garbage in Haslow Park and pulled weeds in the village park. In addition, he helped the local Catholic church clean up after a funeral and get set up for a garage sale.
“I like this community stuff. I really do. Like getting up early in the morning, it seems kinda dorky, but I really look forward to getting up at 5 o’clock to clean the park,” Frome said.
Frome is a big supporter of the Loyal Car Show, selling raffle tickets for the annual event. The car show regularly gives back to the community, donating $11,000 to community organizations – including several Spencer groups – last year. The car show also serves as a fundraiser for the Never Forgotten Honor Flight, which sends central Wisconsin veterans on an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C.
“We’ve sent 47 guys already on the Honor Flight,” said Frome.
In May, Frome retired from Marshfield Clinic after 55 years doing medical research.
“I’m very, very fortunate to have worked there,” he said.
His successful career has given him the capacity to donate to many local causes. He paid off the lunch account debts for low-income students at school. He has donated to the concession stand, football field, K9 unit and automated external defibrillator (AED) units for the police and fire departments. He has also given financially to the ice rink, veterans’ park, new school playground and band stage.
Frome is married to his wife, Pauline. She’s also been heavily involved in the community, and served as village president for 18 years. The Fromes have two adult children, Eric and Andrea. Frome enjoys motorcycles and planting flowers at home.
Wayne Frome
