SPENCER -- Funeral service for Joe Froiland of Spencer was held Friday, Oct. 14, at the Warner Chapel in Spencer. Pastor Ben Unseth officiated.
Joseph James Froiland was born Aug. 23, 1953 in Emmetsburg to Emil and Florence (Beukema) Froiland. He spent his childhood years in Emmetsburg where he attended school until graduating in 1971.
Joe fell in love with plumbing when he worked at Wigdahl Hardware in high school. He married his high school sweetheart Colleen (Turner) on Nov. 2, 1973 and they made Spencer their home in 1974.
He worked in plumbing his whole life, and started his own business in 1984. Joe was proud to have achieved his master plumber license, continually educated himself, and served on the city plumbing board of examiners for 32 years.
Joe was proud of his dad, Emil, for emigrating to the country at a young age, and Joe emulated his tenacity and work ethic to provide for his family. Joe was delighted to finally visit his Norway family in 2014, to learn about his heritage and see where his dad grew up.
He loved to fish whenever he could, and enjoyed annual fishing trips to Canada with friends. Joe liked tending to his garden and spending time with friends at his shop. He was an avid reader, and loved animals and his dog Sophie.
His heart was big and he was a selfless man who could always be counted on to lend a helping hand to his family, friends, and community.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents and sister Betty.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Colleen and three children: Eric (Nickie) of Austin, TX, Jolene (Adam) of Spencer, and Jeff (Brigette) and grandchildren Olivia and Emilia of Spencer, many cousins across the states and in Norway, countless friends and loyal customers. Joe made an impression on everyone he met. His humor, wit, and smile will be greatly missed.
