Virgil Froehlich

Funeral services for Virgil L. Froehlich, age 94, of Norfolk, Nebraska will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 27, 2023, at Grace Lutheran Church in Norfolk. Pastor Ray Wilke and Pastor Chris Asbury will officiate, with private family entombment in Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery Mausoleum in Norfolk.

Visitation will be Sunday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Home for Funerals Chapel, 708 Georgia Avenue, in Norfolk.

On Monday, November 20, 2023, at Faith Regional Health Services in Norfolk, Virgil Leo Froehlich, loving husband, father, and grandfather, departed this life at the age of 94.

Virgil was born on February 8, 1929, in Hadar, Nebraska to Walter and Dorothy (Seegebarth) Froehlich. Virgil attended Immanuel Lutheran School in Hadar for his primary education and graduated from Pierce High School in 1946. Virgil was baptized and later confirmed his faith at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Hadar. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Norfolk, Nebraska, and a longtime member of Early Risers for Christ. He found solace and inspiration in his faith. Virgil nurtured his passion for golf, gardening, playing cards, and travel. He was an ardent supporter of Husker sports and enjoyed dancing and attending Broadway musicals. Virgil had a deep affection for animals, especially cats, with his favorite feline companion being Butterscotch.

Family was a central focus for Virgil as he juggled work with the children’s activities, maybe arriving late, but being present for them. In his later years, he surprised the family or grandchildren with trips that produced lifelong memories from Boston, New York, Arizona, Disney World, and Minnesota.

Virgil began his career with General Wholesale/Affiliated Foods in 1946, the day after his high school graduation. Over the course of 57 years, he witnessed and navigated the changing landscape of the food industry. Virgil’s dedication and hard work led him to serve as the President and CEO of Affiliated Foods for 27 years until his retirement in 2004. Under his leadership, the company grew into the nation’s leading Shurfine/Shurfresh distributor. Virgil graced the cover of Food People magazine being recognized as one of 1999 Food People of the Year. Virgil believed employees were a company’s most valued resource. He had a strong work ethic he attributed to his father’s motivation. Equal and fair treatment for everyone was his motto. The employees affectionately referred to him as “Coach Virg.”

Virgil’s philosophy was to “give back.” He led by example, encouraging his employees to support local charities. Personally, he volunteered his time, talents, and resources to enhance the quality of life in the Midwest. He had a strong conviction that small communities needed a grocery store to sustain the population.

Virgil’s contributions extended beyond his professional career as he served on the Norfolk City Council, the Planning Commission, and various local and state organizations. He was also actively involved in the community, serving as the President of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, and on the boards of Faith Regional Health Services, Nebraska State Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) Board for 12 years, and Bank First Board. Virgil’s exceptional leadership was recognized when he was inducted into the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame in 1997.

Virgil continued his business legacy of helping others attain success by being a Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) mentor for over 10 years. SCORE is the nations’ largest network of volunteer, business experts dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow, and achieve their goals.

Virgil will be deeply missed by his loving spouse of 32 years, Betty Jane (Hladovcak) Froehlich. He is survived by his six children from his 39-year marriage with Janice Clark: Rick (Lynette) Froehlich, Jean (Jim) Hopkins, Clark (Paula Pflueger) Froehlich, Monte (Lisa) Froehlich, Sue Froehlich, and Sally (Kent) McCallum. He is also survived by his stepchildren: Scott (Michelle) Herbolsheimer, Holly (Todd) Reeves, Kelly (Chris) Pachunka, and Kristy (Sean) Lamb. Virgil leaves behind a legacy that extends to his 24 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Lois Raasch, sister-in-law Marian Hubble, and his many nieces and nephews. 

Virgil was proceeded in death by his parents, Walter and Dorothy; son, Guy Mathew Froehlich; brother, Melvin “Bud” Froehlich; sister, Leola Froehlich; brother-in-law, Milton Raasch; daughter-in-law, Cindy Froehlich; and mother-in-law, Lucille Wingate.

Memorial donations in Virgil’s memory can be made to Faith Regional Health Services for the Healing Garden.

Please join us in honoring Virgil’s life and celebrating the memories he leaves behind.  A celebration of the life of Virgil will be on Monday, November 27th at 10:30 AM at Grace Lutheran Church, 416 West Park Ave, Norfolk, NE.  Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 26th, from 4:00-7:00 PM at the Home for Funerals Chapel, 708 Georgia Ave, Norfolk, NE. 

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