Norman J. Frenzel
1931-2024
Norman J. Frenzel, age 93, of Appleton passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 16, 2024, at his home. He was the last surviving member of the family of Frederick and Mary Suchomel Frenzel of Medford. He was born March 26, 1931, and attended Medford area schools. He received his undergraduate degree from UW Stevens Point, completed his master’s degree at the University of Minnesota and his doctorate at the University of Northern Colorado. He married Mary Ellen Rich in 1966, and she preceded him in death. He was a member of St. Peter Parish in Oshkosh, served on the church council, and was active in bereavement ministry. He has been a resident of Appleton since 2001.
He began his career in education as an elementary school teacher and in 1959 joined the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh faculty as a member of the Swart campus school staff. This quickly evolved into a variety of teaching, research, and administrative roles in the College of Education and Human Services, but most of all he enjoyed teaching and was recognized with the Distinguished Teaching Award. He was chosen as the first chairperson of the Reading Education Department and served as graduate program coordinator and advisor. His contributions in curriculum development, particularly in developing graduate programs at the university, were significant. He personified what was good as an educator, parent, advocate, mentor, and friend. Students found him to be rigorous but fair. He advanced rapidly in the professorial ranks and retired as a full professor.
Dr. Frenzel was active in professional organizations and was recognized as a well-known reading educator. He was the founder and charter president of the Fox Valley Reading Council, past president of the Wisconsin State Reading Association, and helped establish the Association for Leadership in Reading in the Fox Valley Area. He regularly served on school and university accreditation teams, published numerous articles, participated in national research studies, and after retiring, worked with the School Evaluation Consortium and the Center on Education and Work at UW Madison. He was a member of Friends of the Library and was a key individual in forming the Learning in Retirement organization at UWO. As a heart patient, he was instrumental in organizing the Oshkosh Area Division of the American Heart Association. He will be remembered as a quick study with a ready smile, a person full of enthusiasm and ideas, and always the dedicated professional.
He was a long-time volunteer for Visiting Nurses Hospice, Ascension Health System, St. Elizabeth Hospital, Theda Care Medical Center, Veteran’s Services, and Winnebago County Social Services. He was a veteran of the Korean conflict where he was a member of SCARWAF and enjoyed the Old Glory Honor Flight to Washington D.C. He was a member of American Legion Post 38 and the VFW. He enjoyed gardening and was awarded “Garden of the Month” in Oshkosh. He had a special love for lighthouses, the arts, classical and gospel music, Boston Terriers, and, as a season ticket holder, was a great fan of the Packers.
He is survived by two daughters, Sara and Betsy; their spouses; and a grandson, James. He also leaves many former students and a host of other relatives and dear friends.
There will be a visitation at Most Blessed Sacrament Parish, St. Peter’s Church, 435 High Ave. Oshkosh, on Monday, June 24, starting at 9:30 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Burial will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to the UW Oshkosh Foundation for the Mary Ellen and Norman J. Frenzel Scholarship and to the Health Career Scholarship Fund at Theda Care Medical Center in Appleton. Contributions to the American Heart Association and to the UW Comprehensive Cancer Center would also be appreciated.
“When through one man a little more love and goodness, a little more light and truth comes into the world, then that man’s life has had meaning.”
Paid Obituary 154310
