Larry Fricke passes away just shy of 98 years
By Dee Longfellow
Lawrence Paul “Larry” Fricke of Indianapolis, Ind., formerly a 38-year Elmhurst resident, passed away on Feb. 2, 2023, one month before his 98th birthday. He was born on March 2, 1925, in Monroe, Ind., to the late Eddie and Clara Steiner Fricke. A graduate of Indianapolis Broad Ripple High School and Purdue University in Airport Management, Larry was an active member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. He served as a Lieutenant in the Naval Air Corps during World War II from 1943 to 1945.
A career in sales mgmt.
With his gregarious personality, Larry had a successful 35-year sales management career with Revere Copper & Brass, moving from Indianapolis to Denver, Milwaukee, Rome (NY), and Chicago.
After “retiring,” Larry found his true passion as a full-time volunteer in fundraising at Elmhurst University. He joined the Development Office at Elmhurst University in 1984 and proceeded to work as a full-time volunteer for the next 30 years, raising millions and establishing relationships with donors to the school that continue to this day. He retired in 2014.
Ken Bartels, Vice President for College Relations Emeritus at Elmhurst University had this to say: “Larry and I worked together for many, many, years. His was an amazing story in that he was primarily a volunteer, an early retiree, who worked full time hours for the University, then College, in the fundraising and public relations areas. Everyone knew Larry and everyone liked Larry. He was always positive, always upbeat and always looking to promote Elmhurst. I never met anyone else like him.”
Among his many accomplishments at Elmhurst University, he was the recipient of the President’s Founders Medal in 1996 and the inaugural recipient of the Volunteer Emeritus recognition by the Board of Trustees in 2015 for his 30 years of service. He was the driving force behind the “Elmhurst: College and Community” Group of more than 100 area residents to participate in campus events and get to know the university. Many prominent business and community leaders introduced to Elmhurst University by Larry have gone on to teach classes, mentor students, and even become members of the University’s Board of Trustees. Also, Larry impacted the lives of many students through his mentoring and interest in their well-being.
Dr. Cureton weighs in
Former Elmhurst University president Dr. Bryant Cureton had nothing but kind words for Larry.
“The Fountain of Youth is not some trickle of water in Florida,” he said. “And it’s not about a silly idea of living forever. It’s about staying young for as long as you live. And it’s within the grasp of all of us if we apply three simple rules of daily life that I’ve learned from Larry Fricke. “The first rule is: keep contributing. Decline will begin to catch up with you just as soon as you stop giving yourself away. This is true throughout life.
“The second rule: keep learning. That tall figure you see striding briskly into the Library is Larry Fricke on his way to feed his voracious curiosity.
“Rule three: keep smiling. I’ve never come across anyone who is as steadily positive and enthusiastic as Larry. Part of it is just his nature. But I think part of it has to do with finding what you love and loving what you find. Larry loves his work at the College because he finds students fascinating.
“Larry has seen a lot in his life, and he’s far from naïve. But that positive attitude that lights up other people’s lives keeps him young as well.”
A ‘Friend-raiser’ and lifelong learner
“Larry Fricke was always looking for opportunities to ‘raise friends’ for Elmhurst University,” said long-time colleague Larry Carroll. “He spent many years making sure that everyone he came in contact with learned about the great educational work of the university. You would often see Larry at university and community events praising the university and its students.
“I would hear stories of how Larry would meet someone and no matter the line of the conversation, he would always find a way to promote the university and the work it did to prepare the next generation of individuals, which would make a contribution to society.
“He was a very humble and gentle individual who would get excited when speaking about the achievements of students he had come to know at the university. Larry was a prime example of a ‘Lifelong Learner,’ who was on a journey to grow and develop himself and assist others in doing the same.”
More of life’s accomplishments
Larry was extremely active and visible in the Elmhurst community. He was selected as recipient of the 2006 Distinguished Service Award from the Elmhurst Jaycees and the 1996 Golden Acorn Award from the Oak Brook Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He was active in St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Elmhurst as well as volunteering and advocating for numerous Elmhurst organizations and causes.
Born into a Mennonite family, he became an active member of Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, and UCC churches throughout his life. He was a lifelong Green Bay Packers fan, golfer, cyclist and avid reader. Larry loved spending time with his ever-expanding family. He ended his long life back home again in Indiana where he enjoyed living close to family and being part of the vibrant and faith-filled community at Hoosier Village.
Family connections
“I am Larry’s stepdaughter, but since ‘step’ was not in his vocabulary, I am his fourth daughter,” said Holly Coffin. “Not too many people are lucky enough to have not one but two wonderful fathers.
“Larry walked me down the aisle and was an amazing father-in-law to my husband Phil and grandfather to my children, Roger, Pete and Jenny. ‘Papa Larry,’ as he was known at our house, never missed a birthday, graduation or a kid’s sporting event.
“I am an only child and always wanted a big family. Larry gave me that – thank you Paul, Ann and Jean, for sharing him and being so welcoming.”
Holly had one more thing to add:
“My greatest sadness in Larry’s passing is that he did not live to be 100,” she said. “That is all he ever talked about. He had his party planned and had invited everyone he knew. I had my request letter to The Today Show ready to he could appear on the Smucker’s jar!
“This past week has been so reaffirming for me. I have received so many calls and texts offering condolences and sharing sentiments.”
Larry was preceded in death by his first wife, Rhea Jean (McGoldrick) Fricke; second wife, Jackie (Lang) Fricke; three brothers Wilber, Harold and Ben; four sisters, Esther Habegger, Neva Bell, Mable Hohlt and Doris Hinman.
Survivors include his sister Patricia Hull, daughters Paula Fricke (Carol Reid), Ann Ost (Bart), Jean Hursh (Dan), and Holly Lang Coffin (Phil); grandchildren Ben (Julia) Ost, Bekah (Dan) Carlson, Andy (Rachel) Hursh, Daniel (Jess) Hursh, Roger (Emma) Coffin, Pete (Alyssa) Coffin, and Jenny Coffin; 6 great-grandchildren.
The family expresses immense gratitude to Dr. Bill Arnold and the caregivers at Hoosier Village. Donations may be made – to Heart Change online at https://www.heartchangeindy.org, an Indianapolis faith-based ministry working alongside mothers in crisis, or to Tabernacle Presbyterian Church Boy Scouts of America Troop 72 online at https://tabpres.org.
A reception honoring and celebrating Larry Fricke was held in Elmhurst on Sunday, Feb. 19. In addition, a service of celebration was held at Tabernacle Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis, on Saturday, Feb. 11.
