RONALD GLENN FROEHLICH, JR.
August 9, 1960 - March 1, 2023
Ron Froehlich, Jr. of Bakersfield, California and Hayden, ID went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on March 1, 2023. He left this world peacefully, with his loved ones each experiencing significant and meaningful conversations with him prior to his departure. Most assuredly, as Ron entered through the pearly gates of heaven, he heard these words “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Ron was born in Bakersfield to Ron Sr. and Jan Froehlich, and spent much of his youth alongside his dad, the person who instilled in him an entrepreneurial spirit. His dad had several large cotton farms up the valley and together they spent hours in the car, discussing sports, business, and Ron's dreams and aspirations. He participated in 4H projects showing steers, played football competitively, and was involved in youth boxing. His interest in real estate started in his teens, and he made his first real estate investment at 15 years old. Ron attended local schools, graduating from Shafter High School and Bakersfield College.
In 2006, after a 5-year courtship, Ron married the love of his life, MaryAnn. Together they enjoyed a loving and adventure-filled marriage for almost 17 years. And although life was not without its challenges, the two of them truly were each other's soulmates, putting God in the center of their marriage and passionately pursuing what it looks like to live a generous life.
As a dad to four active children, Krystal, Whitney, Samie and Bo, Ron was involved in all their school and other activities; summers were spent water-skiing at Lake Nacimiento and winters snow-skiing at Mammoth. He was the rock in their lives, the person they could always count on to be there for them. Ron enjoyed a special relationship with his only son Bo, spending many seasons hunting and fishing together. As Ron's children grew into young adults, he was instrumental in their spiritual development, encouraging them in their walk with the Lord.
Ron had a long and prosperous career as a builder/developer. He founded Froehlich Signature Homes in 1987, building homes, apartment communities, office parks and shopping centers over the course of his career.
In 2010, Ron found his purpose and passion in his personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He started his second career, becoming a 'builder of men'. Having a heart for men and men's ministries, Ron was instrumental in hundreds of men coming to know Jesus Christ through organizations he was blessed to be involved with. Ron was on the founding board of Influencers Bakersfield and Souly Business-California, a board member of A Toda Vela/Full Sail Ministries Costa Rica, and was involved in the Half-Time Institute, Generous Giving and Radical Mentoring, to name just a few. Ron was known as a generous man with his time, treasures, and talents. He humbly supported many kingdom-related ministries, with a special appreciation for young couples serving in other countries. Ron understood that everything he was entrusted with was a gift from God and he was just a steward.
Upon semi-retirement, Ron and MaryAnn divided their time between Hayden, Bakersfield, and Costa Rica. Ron thoroughly enjoyed his time with his family and friends, hosting many backyard BBQ's and epic Halloween parties, and cherishing his adventures with MaryAnn, traveling, and exploring the world together.
Ron is survived by his best friend and wife MaryAnn, parents Ron Sr. and Jan, sister Sherie (Darrell), four beautiful children Krystal (Nick), Whitney, Samie (Patrick) and Bo (Maddie), six adorable grandchildren Ruth, Amelia, Kennedy, Sutton, Duke and Isaiah, five bonus grandchildren Jolene, Lili, Max, Zach and Clare, nieces Lyndsie (Jimmy) and Ashlee (Justin), their children Luke, Hank and Will, and last but not least, his faithful dog Bear.
One of Ron's life verses was John 16:33 – I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. Ron's life goals were to 'walk with Jesus every moment of everyday; love Him with all his heart, mind and soul; to know Him and to make Him known'. Ron truly showed his family what it was like to be loved, and how to love others. We miss him terribly, but find peace in knowing that one day we, too, will join him in heaven.
Ron's Celebration of Life will be held on March 23, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at The Bridge Bible Church, 12225 Stockdale Hwy., Bakersfield, CA with a luncheon following from 12pm – 3pm at Stockdale Country Club, 7001 Stockdale Hwy., Bakersfield, CA. Graveside services by invitation only.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Influencers Global Ministries, Influencers Bakersfield, or The Mission at Kern County.