Robert Leonard Frost (Frosty)
September 3, 1933 ~ September 10, 2013
Robert L. “Frosty” Frost, 80, Naples, SD, died Tuesday, September 10, 2013, at the V.A. Medical Center in Sioux Falls.
Visitation will be 5-7pm, Friday, September 13, 2013, at the St. Henry’s Catholic Church in Henry, SD. Mass of Christian Burial will begin Saturday, September 14, at 10:30am at St. Henry’s with Fr. Joseph Puthenkulathil officiating. Interment following at St. Henry’s with Full Military Honors.
Robert L. “Frosty” Frost was born September 3, 1933, in Hoven, SD to Nicholas and Catherine (Wirtz) Frost. He was raised and graduated from Hoven High School. He worked on the farm for a while before enlisting in the US Army and went to Korea as a Medic. When Robert returned, he again farmed and helped his brother-in-law with his house moving business. On May 25, 1960, Robert married Louise Doerr in Onida. The couple moved to Watertown for Robert’s new job with Watkins Feed Company. In 1962, they settled in Naples to raise their family of 10 children. Sadly, Louise passed away in 2008 and Robert continued the feed sales until 2010 when health reasons forced him to retire after 50 years.
Robert was a huge fan of all types of sports. He went to high school games, (mostly football and basketball) all over the area. “Frosty” as everyone knew him, also became a legendary coach in the softball world of South Dakota Women’s Fast Pitch. In Hazel, the field is named for him as he led many teams to state tournaments. He also had a passion for gardening and trees. However, Frosty will never be forgotten for his pool playing and card games with anyone. A sign hung in the Hazel cafe reads, “No two Frost boys are allowed to play cards together!” Frosty also loved fishing anywhere. Sometimes he went to the river or otherwise to Lake Nordan or Thompson. Basically anywhere they were biting! Most of all, he was a family man and loved being together with his kids and grandchildren.
Frosty will be missed by his nine children, Mary Phillips, Columbus, NE, Tom (Beth) Frost, Lakeville, MN, Nick Frost, Watertown, Michael (Stacy) Frost, Brandon, David Frost, Bloomington, MN, Ken Frost, Naples, Angela (Steve) Fiore, Norwalk, CT, Kathy George, Brooklyn Park, MN, & Christi Frost, Kearney, NE; twelve grandchildren, Meghan Phillips, Brian Frost, Alex Frost, Kelsey Frost, Hannah Frost, Jacob Frost, Brooke George, Todd Sell, Avery Frost, Olivia Frost, Sophia Frost & John Frost, three siblings, Norbert (Irene) Frost, Oregon, Veronica Vetter, Pierre, and Anna Herman, Aberdeen; and several nieces and nephews.
Robert was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, one daughter, Theresa, and seven siblings.
Family of Frosty,
Frosty was one of a kind and will always be remembered. I learned so very much from
Frosty in every sport. He had such a passion for softball. Will never forget get all the games he helped at. Him standing behind home plate, giving all the umpires a bad time. Thanks for all the great memories Frosty.
Marilyn
Uncle Bobby will be greatly missed. I always remembered him as the one that looked like Grandpa and Santa Claus; especially with his pipe. It was so nice to visit with him when he and his son came to Gettysburg to visit. He never changed; always looked and sounded the same. A laugh I will never forget. He is now playing cards in heaven with Louise, Grandma, Grandpa, Leroy, Dad (Joe)and the rest of the Frost Gang. If the stories are true then Grandma has probably cheated her way to a winning hand! My mom also sends her sympathies (theresa Frost).
Dennise (frost) Donovan
When my family and I first moved to the Hamlin Community I soon was introduced to Frosty. He was at every athletic event head at Hamlin or you would see him in the crowd at all of the away games as well–a great follower of the Chargers. During our teaching days at Hamlin, we were very fortunate to have the Frost children as students–always kind, considerate, and thoughtful of others. Christmas cards from Louise were always special–a great gift for writing and putting her thoughts on paper. Carol and I would like to extend our sympathies to all of the Frost family as I see by the obituary that you are “scattered” around the country. God Bless and Comfort you all.
Frosty – Oh the memories … I was a player of Frosty’s in the late 70’s and early 80’s. While at the Hazel celebration this summer it was fantastic to see the ball field and remember all of the time that Frosty put into the field itself, much less all of the time that he spent coaching. He truly gave from his heart. And what a big heart it was!
I remember his “Big Red” – that our uniforms would be red to intimidate the opposition. I remember his making us “take the pitch”, even having to have 2 strikes on us, before we could swing if the pitcher was having difficulty. I remember his chuckle – it always brought out our smiles as well. I remember not just his love for the game, which was great, but his love for his players was even greater, evident both on and off the field. He truly cared about us all.
Frosty – you will be missed.
May God bless you all.
I wish I had been able to share my condolences in person. Frosty meant so much to many so many young athletes. We were truly blessed to be taught the game of softball by such an amazing man. As my girls now play, I wish they could have a coach like I had. Thanks, Frosty.
Tiger
To all of our “Frosty” cousins, especially Uncle Bob’s family,
we offer our condolences and prayers. I wish we could have all
grown up a little closer (geographically), but all of his nieces
and nephews and relatives (there are very MANY) in Oregon will
keep him and his family in our prayers. Uncle Bob was like a big
brother to some of us, as we lived with Grandpa and Grandma for
several years, so we could go to St. Anthony’s school in Hoven.
Growing up on the farm near Lebanon we never got to see much of Uncle Bobby. All the brothers left and dad (Fritz Frost) continued to farm. But it was always a treat when he would stop by as he made his rounds selling Watkins products. I still think of him when I see a Watkins label in a store. My fondest memory of Uncle Bobby is how generous and caring he was. One Christmas he stopped by the farm when I was a teen. We didn’t have much and I mentioned how I would love to have some fruit. Uncle Bobby went out and bought the biggest box of apples and oranges I had ever seen. That is the kind of person he was. I will remember that act of generosity forever. Now, about the Frost boys and cards – that must be hereditary from Grandma’s side. But I also think it was passed down to our generation – but only on the boys side! God bless all our cousins far and wide. We are blessed for having known Robert Frost.