Obituary for Stephen Timm Frohnauer

Steve was born on August 5, 1953, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Paula (Timm) and Leonard Frohnauer. He attended grade school at Incarnation and graduated from Lakeville High School in 1971. He continued his education at Normandale College and later at the University of Wisconsin–Stout, where he met his future bride, Cindy Kent.

Steve and Cindy were married on June 12, 1976. She was truly the light of his life. Together they raised their three children—Nicholas, Jessica, and Krystin—in Amery, Wisconsin, building a life filled with camping trips, fishing adventures, and countless hours cheering on their kids at sporting and 4-H events. Family was always at the center of Steve’s world.

Steve began his career teaching technical education in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, and Somerset, Wisconsin. He later took a position with Donaldson Company in Baldwin, Wisconsin, where he worked until his retirement in 2007. Steve took pride in providing for his family and doing his work well.

In later years, Steve and Cindy enjoyed trips to Alaska and spent several summers camp hosting at Lake Namekagon in northern Wisconsin—experiences he held close to his heart. After Cindy’s passing in 2014, Steve relocated to La Crosse, where he found comfort in books and became a beloved regular at Pearl Street Books. He also enjoyed staying active at the local YMCA and took great pride in teaching himself to cook gourmet meals, often inspired by his favorite Jamie Oliver cookbook. One of his greatest joys was hitting the road to visit old friends, always eager to reconnect and catch up.

Steve holds a special gratitude for AA and the support of all those who helped him.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Paula Frohnauer and by his beloved wife, Cindy.

He is survived by his sister, Mary Frohnauer (Larry); brother, Tony Frohnauer (Kelly); sister, Ann Kent (Kerry); his children, Nick Frohnauer (Jen), Jesse Gerhardt (Daniel), and Krystin Rorvick (Rob); and his treasured grandchildren, Jack, Maddie, Noah, Fiona, Gavin, Natalie, Alix, and Sam. He is also survived by many cherished nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on February 21, 2026, at Blessed Sacrament Church, 130 Losey Boulevard, La Crosse, Wisconsin. There will be a closed casket visitation beginning at 10:00am, followed by the Rosary at 10:30am and Mass at 11am. Please join us for a small lunch gathering following the Mass at the church.

If you wish to send a memorial in honor of Stephen, they may be directed to your local public radio station, local public television station, or the National Park Foundation.

Online condolences may be offered to Stephen's family at this site.