Frolkey, Michael Dean 1947-2021

FROLKEY, HERZIG, FRERK

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, volunteer (email)
Date: 10/8/2021 at 16:44:51

Michael Dean Frolkey, 73, of Le Mars, IA was called to heaven on Thursday, August 19, 2021, where he passed peacefully at Floyd Valley Healthcare.

Michael was born on November 22, 1947, in Le Mars to Nathan and Norma (Herzig) Frolkey. He was the second child of five, with three sisters and a brother, making this a family of seven. Nate and Norma were schoolteachers and fostered a love of learning in their children, including Mike, who had developed a love of science, like his father.

As a young family, Nate, Norma, and the kids moved several times, eventually moving to Sutherland, IA when Mike was in 7th grade. This is where Mike would meet LaDonna, who would end up being the love of his life. Although she was unimpressed with this new boy in Junior High, things would change dramatically in high school thanks to each of their younger sisters setting them up for an impromptu Sunday afternoon date. Mikey’s sharp intelligence and kind heart won the heart of LaDonna. Mike was just as smitten. The two became high school sweethearts from that moment on.

Upon graduation from Sutherland High School in 1966, Mike attended Northwestern College in Orange City, IA preparing to follow in his parents’ footsteps of becoming a teacher where he majored in Natural Sciences. Distance made the heart grow fonder, and Mike proposed to LaDonna. They were married June 2,1967 in Sutherland in front of their friends and family. They were blessed with their first of three girls, Denee, born in December of 1969 during Mike’s senior year of college.

Life would change again for this precious family of three. Upon graduation from college, duty called, and Mike enlisted in the United States Navy where he spent 4 years on the U.S.S. Kittyhawk as a supply specialist during the Vietnam War. Although he rarely spoke of the conflict itself, he would reverently tell stories of the men aboard ship and those people whom he came to know. He was quite proud of the rank and the job he held as head of supply on ship. He had a way with people and could acquire items for his shipmates that were otherwise hard to come by through ordinary means. It was during his last year on board that their second child, Krista, was born in November of 1973. Mike was reunited with his family in December of 1974 upon his honorable discharge from the Navy.

Although the teaching profession was not to be, Mike had a scientific mind and thirst for knowledge. His approach to everything was fact based and these skills served him well as he was known as a problem solver wherever he worked. He utilized his science background over the course of his career where he began working in the meat industry in Cherokee, IA for Wilson Foods. It is during this time, Mike and LaDonna welcomed their third blue eyed, blonde girl, Stacie in July of 1977. The family was complete.

Life was never dull for the family of five. Mike was very proud of his three daughters, and loved to attend their volleyball, basketball, and softball games, track meets, and band and choir concerts. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed playing slow pitch softball and bowling for local leagues in Sutherland. Later, he thoroughly enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in their various activities. He also enjoyed wood working and always had a project to do.

Mike and LaDonna moved 23 times over the course of their marriage, meeting many wonderful people. Mike had an adventurous spirit, sometimes too adventurous according to LaDonna. Their moving escapades took them to residences in Iowa, South Dakota, California, Tennessee, Kansas, and Arkansas. Mike would finally retire from Tyson’s after 34 years as a regulatory manager in the meat processing industry that also included years working for Wilson’s and IBP. He was also a long-time member of the Sutherland Methodist Church.

Their final move was to Le Mars, IA where they enjoyed living close to their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Mike and LaDonna shared 54 years of marriage and although Mike is now in heaven, their time apart will be temporary. The love and life they built together will live on forever through their grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Mike is survived by his wife, LaDonna and their daughters’ families: Denee and Tim Hardyk with their children Max, MacKenzee, and Kalin with fiancé Dreysen and their two children Alayna and Denver; Krista and Scott Keairns with their two children, Joshua and Jessica; Stacie and Matt Birk with their two children, Jack and Ben; his sisters, CarolAnn (Mike) Frey, Wanda (Tim) Miller, and Natalie (John) Drahzal.

He is preceded in death by his parents Nathan and Norma; his brother Keith; his parents-in-law, Bill and Alvie Frerk; and sister-in-law, Glenda Rahbusch.

Private Graveside Services will be held Friday, September 3, 2021, for his family. A Celebration of Life will be held from 3 p.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday, September 12, 2021, at Oscar Carl Vineyard in Sioux City for all friends and family of Mike.