Lorri Froberg

Lorri Frobergs heart was that of a giver. She always gave of herself willingly and selflessly to those around her with her love, her time, her humor, and her possessions. Whether it was family, co-workers, children, fellow church members, or animals that she loved; she gave until it hurt, just like Jesus did. Lorri leaves behind a legacy of much laughter, smiles and joy. Lorri did everything BIG! She laughed big. She gave big. She loved big. Everyone who had the privilege of knowing her saw that she could light up a room everywhere she went. Lorri Jo Teachout was born May 6, 1956 in Saint Joseph, Michigan to John and Annette Teachout. At the bakery John owned, Lorri loved to watch her Dad work. She remembered with fondness the way her Dad smelled when he came home each day. Her mother had a creative flair and loved to redecorate, so often so that Johnny was frequently surprised as he arrived home and the furnishings were completely different. Thus Lorri was accustomed to change and embraced it with gusto all her life. With three sisters and a brother, Lorri and her siblings grew up spending lots of time together and remain close-knit to this day. Especially as their families grew, everybody pitched in and played an integral part in each others lives. Lorri adored all her nieces and nephews and was ready for goofy fun and tasty treats at the drop of a hat. She made sure each child felt special. Lorri was a kid at heart and had a connection with children that cannot be denied. Lorri remained in the Saint Joseph area and by 1974 had left high school to become a wife and mother to her son Benjamin. Her first marriage ended quickly, and as an 18 year old, she was left to care for her sweet baby boy. She had a passion for being a mom and put her heart and soul into it! About four years later, she began dating Jim Froberg. Lorri had met Jim when they were both in their early twenties at a Shaklee products meeting at a mutual friends house. He noticed her because she had a cast on her leg and crutches. But what drew Jim to her was the fact that he had never met anyone before who was so interesting and funny. He also thought she was quite pretty. They dated for about a year, got married, and Jim became an instant Husba-man and father to her son Ben. And so their lives as a family began. In 1981 their little girl Katherine was born. Many hours were spent at the beach and the pool as a family, always being goofy and having fun. Humor was central in the home. Lorri, Jim, Ben and Kat delighted in watching movies and quoting funny lines to each other as a part of their familys own special language. Several years later, Lorri and Jim divorced, and once again she was a single mother. She worked diligently to make ends meet, believing that necessity is the mother of invention. She had earned her GED and put herself through college while raising Ben and Kat. She graduated with her Associates Degree in Radiography in the late 80s, and the family was so proud. She was resourceful, even baking people pies to get rides to class when her car was broken down. Marmie Jo was a master at taking tough situations and turning them around for the good. In the early 90s, Lorri and Jim remarried each other, and the family was back together! They had moved to Grand Haven, Michigan and a pivotal change took place. The whole family dedicated their lives to the Lord in such a way that would carry them through all of Lorris health battles. In the late nineties she had been diagnosed with breast cancer, but maintained her motto A merry heart doeth good like a medicine (Proverbs 17:22) and had an amazing recovery. Her faith in God and ability to find laughter in any situation carried her through. Lorri continued to spread her joy and laughter to her co-workers, family and friends and eventually to womens gatherings and cancer support groups. Her loud and boisterous ba-hee! laugh will be cherished forever. Lorri saw her children graduate and move out on their own, and she and Jim stayed very active in church and family life. To fill the void she had from not being able to nurture her kids at home anymore, she had her other children: 3 cats that brought her great joy and comfort. She also taught Sunday school for years and many children will remember the fun they had with Miss Lorri. Her generosity was known by all. Countless trinkets or handmade cards with encouraging words were left as little surprises for those she loved. She taught her kids to never hold back the blessings that are given by God, but always to share and give freely. She loved spontaneous outings and shopping for treasures with friends and family, especially going on her Sisters Weekend each year to Mackinac Island and northern Michigan. Everything she did revolved around other people. Lorris heart swelled with joy as she became a grandmother to her daughter Kat and son-in-law Daves four beautiful children. Passion never waning as a mother, she then received the title Mimi as her highest honor. The grandma gig was certainly one of her favorite things in life! She and Papa played and laughed with their grandkids a lot, and maintained her merry heart attitude all the way to the end of her life here on earth. Those who had the pleasure of knowing Lorri saw in her life that she understood the concept that God blesses us to be a blessing to others. Lorri fulfilled her Saviors two greatest commandments: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and Love your neighbor as yourself. Lorris life exemplified this. In her last years, her remaining strength was spent in her battle with cancer. In this fight, Lorri fought well, (not many of us would have fought as valiantly as Lor) because even though her faith was tested many times, her love of and faith in the Lord only grew greater. Her relationship with her husband only grew deeper, and her time with all of us more precious. When Lorri passed quietly in her sleep this past Thursday, her prayer to go peacefully was answered. There must have been a shortage of joy, smiles, and laughter in heaven for God to take her home earlier than any of us expected. It was her time. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Evidently, Lorris desire to be in His presence was greater than even any of us who knew her fully understood. Praise be to God, forever and ever. Lorri, You go, girl! We will see you again. And when we are all together, again we shall say, Rejoice!