In Remembrance: Menno Froese

Menno Froese
Credit: Beloit College ArchivesMenno Froese, professor emeritus of sociology, was a life-long learner, drawn to nature, art, reading, and sports. His parents emigrated from the Soviet Union to Canada, and he grew up in a Mennonite community in the wilds of Vancouver Island; his family later moved to Ontario to farm. He came to the United States to attend college and graduate school. In 1969, he joined the faculty at Beloit College, which was a perfect fit for his student-centric approach to pedagogy, and taught here until his retirement in 2003. He passed away on Oct. 24, 2024 at the age of 87.

Froese was active in all aspects of college life at Beloit. He led field trips to Chicago to study urban life and visit a cross-section of churches and religious groups. He was an avid Buccaneer sports fan, and worked on the chain gang at football games. He also enjoyed playing noon ball (basketball) on campus and attending theatre productions, musical concerts, and art exhibits. He led semesters abroad, taking students to Israel, Australia, and Scotland on what was for many of them life-changing journeys.

Professor of Sociology Charles Westerberg was both a former student and a colleague of Professor Froese, and remembers him as “a challenging professor who always made me think. He was a kind and compassionate person who made a difference in students’ lives. He empowered students to lead fulfilling lives marked by high achievement, personal responsibility, and public contribution in a diverse society.”

Froese’s commitment to volunteering was lifelong, and after retiring, he and his wife Margaret continued their community work in the U.S. and abroad. They finally settled in Canmore, Alberta, a beautiful little town in the Canadian Rockies. There he led hiking groups, volunteered as a steward and trail minder for Alberta Parks, and participated in local discussion groups. He made a difference wherever he went, and lived a life filled with meaning and joy. He is survived by his wife, Margaret, their three sons, Ron, Mark, and Paul, and many grandchildren, including Milo Froese ’25.