Obituary of David Duane Frounfelter

DAVID DUANE FROUNFELTER

FEBRUARY 8, 1943 – JUNE 13, 2021

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in David’s name.  You can make donations to the family’s chosen charity, Promises2 Kids, by following this link:

https://give.promises2kids.org/DavidDuaneFrounfelter

It is with deep sadness that we report the unexpected death of David Duane Frounfelter at the age of 78 on June 13, 2021.  David was born on February 8, 1943 in Martinsville Indiana to Thelma and Merrill Frounfelter.  In the early 50’s the family left the cold winters behind and moved to Santa Maria, CA, where as a senior in high school, he met the love of his life.  He married Edna Ann Kuhns on June 13, 1964 and died on their 57^th anniversary.  David and Edna moved to Pocatello, Idaho where David earned a degree in Pharmacy at Idaho State University in 1969.  David retired form pharmacy in 2010.  David had many talents.  He played the trumpet in high school and ROTC, he was an expert skier and took his family on ski vacations all over the Western United States.  He coached his daughter, Darcie, in soccer until she needed a professional coach in her teen years.  David lived to see his goal of a happy, healthy, family. 

David is survived by his wife, Edna, son Michael (wife Sue), daughter Darcie (husband Jerry), two grandchildren, Raegan and Jameson, and his brother Larry. 

David’s loving nature and spirit of fun will be greatly missed by his family and friends but will also live on in us all. 

From Darcie Colihan (daughter)

My dad got behind me the day I was born and never left.  He supported everything I did, big or small, good idea or bad.  He shared my feelings, dreams, thoughts, and fears.  He never gave up on me and put in overtime when I started to give up on myself.  I am who I am and I am where I am today because he loved me unconditionally and with every ounce of himself. 

Then, somehow, when his grandchildren came along, he gave even more.  I am thankful that he was able to know his grandchildren, but even more thankful that they were able to know him.

My dad will be remembered for his engaging nature.  He will be missed – there will always be something missing – but he left behind so much to be thankful for and I will always feel him standing behind me with a supportive hand on my back, and so will his grandchildren.   He always told me I was his hero…no dad you were MY hero!!

From Mike Frounfelter (Son)

“Life is short, break the rules. Forgive quickly, kiss slowly. Love truly. Laugh uncontrollably and never regret anything that makes you smile.”  -- Mark Twain

My dad liked to enjoy life. He liked music, books, movies, sports, good food, time with friends. And he loved his family most of all. He took every opportunity to let us know he loved us and that he was proud of us. He was over the moon for his grandkids, gave them everything he had, all day, every day.

 I cherish the memories we made together. I hold close to my heart defining moments he and I shared that brought us so close together, as child to dad and ultimately as man to man. I already miss his laugh, but I can hear it when I close my eyes. I am so proud to be David’s son. He was an incredible man, role-model, mentor and I will share his unique and unforgettable legacy with everyone I meet.

From Sue Frounfelter (Daughter-In-Law)

When I think of David, I picture his warm smile and generosity of spirit. He welcomed me into the family and immediately put me at ease, addressing the issue of what to call my in-laws. He said, “you already have a mom and dad, so how about you just call us David and Edna?” I remember him arriving at our home with treats in his pocket for our four-legged kids. David was always interested in and supportive of our ideas, dreams, and ventures. He happily worked the booth at our nonprofit events, proudly telling everyone about our cause. I am forever grateful to David for raising a man, MY HUSBAND, who is both strong and kind.

David was always fascinated with the Native American part of my heritage, so I share this poem in his honor. (The authorship and title have been disputed over the years.)

Native American Prayer

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn’s rain
When you wake in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight,
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there. I do not sleep.