Leroy O. Fruend, age 90 of Hoffman, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2024, at Carlyle Healthcare and Senior Living Center. Born on May 7, 1934, in rural Hoffman, Illinois, to the late Oscar and Lena (nee Michael) Fruend, Leroy was a man whose life was marked by diligent service, faith, and an unwavering dedication to his church, family, and community.
Leroy proudly served his country as a member of the US Army in Germany for two years. Upon returning home, he began a career at NGPL/Kinder Morgan, where he dedicated many years until his retirement in 1986. However, retirement did not mean slowing down for Leroy. He continued to serve his community through various avenues. An active and long-standing member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, Leroy was not only a trustee at the church but also at the Trinity Lutheran School. He applied his handyman skills generously, leaving a lasting impact on many projects at church and around the community. His service extended to the local government, where he served on the Hoffman Village Board for eight years and as the town’s mayor for two decades.
Leroy enjoyed coaching Little League baseball, instilling values and sportsmanship in the youth. An avid bowler, Leroy bowled in several local bowling leagues. He led the Greater Carlyle Bowling Association as president, was inducted into the Greater Carlyle Bowling Hall of Fame, and achieved the remarkable feat of a 300-game.
Leroy married Marlene Heap at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hoffman on February 16, 1957; Marlene survives in Hoffman. Mr. Fruend is also survived by his children, Terri (Ken) Loepker of Bartelso, Michael Fruend of Mt. Holly, NJ, Mark Fruend of Breese, Tim (Deanna) Fruend of Hoffman, and Tammy (Chris) Schroeder of Germantown; his grandchildren, Brandon Loepker, Blain Loepker, Jordan Loepker, Mitchell Fruend, Quinton Fruend, Colin Fruend, Ian Fruend, Braeden Fruend, Troy Schroeder, and Cole Schroeder; his step-grandchildren, Jesse Foos, Jordan Foos, Jason Foos; and 19 great-grandchildren.
Leroy was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Lena Fruend; his grandson, Dylan Loepker; his sister, Bernice Fruend; and a brother and sister who passed away during childhood.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hoffman, IL with Rev. Brett Jones officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church on Monday, August 26, 2024, from 4:00 – 8:00 PM, and on Tuesday, August 27 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM.
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mr. Fruend are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church or to Trinity Lutheran School. They will be received through Zieren Funeral Home, 1111 Clinton Street, Carlyle, IL 62231. Online condolences may be shared at www.ZierenFuneralHome.com.
