Obituaries

Joan Jude Frohlich, 92, of Florence, Kentucky, entered into eternal rest on Friday, August 7, 2026, surrounded by the family she loved so dearly.

Joan was born in Covington, Kentucky, on August 19, 1933, to her late parents, A. Fred Laake and Ethel Veer Laake. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 69 years, Kenneth R. Frohlich, with whom she shared a lifetime of love and devotion, and by their daughter, Thea Jane Frohlich.

Joan leaves behind an extraordinary family and a beautiful legacy. She is lovingly survived by her 10 children, Anthony (Candace) Frohlich, Teresa (Jason) Robinson, Timothy (Diana) Frohlich, Tawney (Michael) Eckstein, Thomas (Cindy) Frohlich, Todd (Janet) Frohlich, Ted (Michelle) Frohlich, Toby (Jennifer) Frohlich, Tina (Douglas) Wert, and Tricia (Michael) Schneider; as well as 50 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren.

Joan's life was one of love, sacrifice, faith, and service to others. Her greatest joy was her family, and she devoted herself wholeheartedly to raising her 10 children. Yet even after dedicating so many years to motherhood, Joan showed that it is never too late to pursue a dream. She attended nursing school and proudly graduated on her 50th birthday—an accomplishment that spoke beautifully to her determination, strength, and desire to care for others. She went on to spend a significant portion of her nursing career serving with the Little Sisters of the Poor, where her compassionate nature found a meaningful purpose.

Above all else, family remained at the center of Joan's life. She treasured every opportunity to be surrounded by those she loved and rarely missed a family gathering, whether she was hosting it herself or simply enjoying being together. With 10 children, 50 grandchildren, and 39 great-grandchildren, Joan's family grew into a remarkable legacy—one built upon the love and values she and Kenneth shared throughout their 69 years of marriage. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her tremendous happiness, and the memories created around her will be treasured for generations to come.

Joan also enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, including working puzzles, playing cards, and spending time with her grandchildren. Her faith was an important part of who she was, and her desire to serve extended well beyond her own family. She was actively involved in the founding of the “Young in Spirit” ministry at St. Timothy Church, creating fellowship and friendship with others in her parish community. Her determination and adventurous spirit were also evident when she excitedly joined friends on a pilgrimage to Guadalupe, Mexico—a journey of faith that held special meaning for her.

Joan lived a long and beautiful life defined not simply by the number of her years, but by the countless lives she touched along the way. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, a compassionate nurse, a faithful servant, and a woman whose greatest happiness came from caring for and being surrounded by others. Her presence will be deeply missed, but the tremendous family she leaves behind stands as a lasting testament to a life extraordinarily well lived.

Family and friends will gather for visitation on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at St. Timothy Church, 10272 U.S. Highway 42, Union, Kentucky 41091, from 9:00 a.m. until the eulogy and Northern Kentucky Nurse’s Honor Guard at 10:45 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Private burial will take place at St. Mary Cemetery in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky. Stith Funeral Home, Florence, is honored to serve the Frohlich family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Little Sisters of the Poor, 476 Riddle Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45220, or St. Elizabeth Foundation (Hospice), 1 Medical Village Drive, Edgewood, Kentucky 41017.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.stithfuneralhome.com.