Lynn Richard Frongner

Lynn Richard “Dick” Frongner, 88, of Idaho Falls and former long time resident of Shelley, ID, passed away Friday, February 10, 2017 from Alzheimer’s disease at his home.

Dick was born on February 3, 1929 to Howard John and Amy Katherine Murphy Frongner at the Idaho Falls LDS Hospital. He grew up in the New Sweden area, where his father farmed. He graduated the 8th grade from Riverdale School, across the road from their home.

After graduating from Shelley High School in 1947, Dick attended Idaho State College (now Idaho State University) for one semester on a boxing scholarship. He and two friends joined the Air Force, where he graduated with a Certificate of Proficiency in Airplane Maintenance. He was honorably discharged from the Air Force in August 1952 as a Staff Sergeant working on B-36 bomber engines.

Dick was involved in sports in high school, college and his time in the service. While in high school, he boxed competitively, and was a Golden Gloves champion. It was this award that made it possible for him to obtain his boxing scholarship to Idaho State College. He also played fast pitch softball in church and city league.

Throughout his life, Dick maintained an interest in sports and outdoor activities. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. In his later years he enjoyed playing horseshoes and loved to play golf with family and friends.

Dick married Elaine Johnson of Moore, ID on April 1, 1955. For the first two and a half years of their marriage, he farmed with his father in Moore. Dick and Elaine’s first child, Ricky Lynn, was born on March 4, 1956, in the Blackfoot Hospital. They moved to Shelley, ID in January 1957 where Dick found employment with the RT French Company. Their second son, Don Jay, was born on August 10, 1959, also in the Blackfoot Hospital. Dick continued to work for the RT French Company; but at the time of his retirement in 1991 it had been sold and become a branch of the Pillsbury Company.

As a member of the LDS Church, Dick served in many positions; that of Bishopric counselor, Elder’s Quorum counselor, Elder’s Quorum President, Stake Sports Director, and as a member of the Sunday School Presidency, etc.

Dick is survived by his wife (Elaine), two sons (Rick and Don), 7 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren, two brothers (Earl and Ralph) and one sister (Carol Braithwaite). He was preceded in death by his parents, an older brother, Tom, and a younger brother, Jack.
The viewing will be Thursday morning, February 16, 2017 from 9:30 to 10:40 at the Shelley LDS Stake Center. Funeral services will follow at 11:00. The Interment will be at 2:00 in the Lost River Cemetery, south of Moore, with military rites by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #7137 assisted by the Air Force Honor Guard. Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of Nalder Funeral Home.

The Frongner family wishes to express gratitude to Aspen Home Health and Hospice for their dedicated personal care and services rendered to our husband, father & grandfather.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to humanitarian service.