Obit: Frisch, Larry (1936 - 2007)

Contact: Audrey Roedl
Email: audero@charter.net

Surnames: Frisch, Kotecki, Gavin, Wolle, Molle, Hendrickson

----Sources: Loyal TRG December 12, 2007

Frisch, Larry (15 OCT 1936 - 8 DEC 2007)

Larry Frisch, 71, a prominent Stevens Point business man, died following a brief illness, on Saturday, Dec, 8, 2007, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, with his loving family at his side. Family and friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m., on Wednesday, Dec. 12, with a parish Rosary at 7 p.m., at the Pisarski/Dzikoski Funeral Home, Stevens Point, and from 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 13, at St. Stevens Catholic Church until the time of the funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. The Rev. Dezaraj will officiate. Burial will be at a later date.

Larry Frisch was born on Oct 15, 1936, in Spencer, to Larry and Cecelia (nee Kotecki) Frisch. He graduated from Spencer High School in 1954. He then attended the University 0f Wisconsin-Stevens Point, graduating in 1963 with a bachelor of science degree in history and political science. He was a train baggage man for the Soo Line Railroad from 1955-65. He then worked for the Legislative Fiscal Bureau in Madison for a year doing tax research. He also worked for the Whiting Plover Paper Co. from 1966-67, and then worked for CAP agency until 1970. On May 1, 1970, he established Larry Frisch Cards, a mail order company selling baseball, sports cards and other related products. He was the first person in the world to sell sports cards on a full-time basis. As a result of his business, he has been featured in hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles. He also appeared on many radio and television programs, including PM magazine and The Tomorrow Show. He was considered an expert on baseball cards, their history and value. In 1987, he ventured out to Cooperstown, N.Y., to open a baseball card museum. Due to distance and travel time the museum closed in 1992. He continued to be involved in his business until the time of his death. In addition to his business, he also found time to be involved with the Steven Point Youth Baseball Association from 1967-83 as a manager, coach, league vice president and board member. He also was a coach and board member with Stevens Point American Legion Program from 1978-90. He also did service work outside of sports. He was the town of Hull assessor from 1969-73, and served as town supervisor from 1973-81, in addition to serving on the town of Hull planning and zoning committees. He was a charter member of the Portage County Landfill Committee, and served on the Board of Adjustments and Portage County Smart Growth Committee. He married Ardy (nee Molle) Hendrickson on Feb. 8, 1958. The couple divorced in 1985. He enjoyed spending time with his family, baseball cards, collecting and operating model trains, doing jigsaw puzzles and reading. He loved trees and was also an avid Packer fan (for which his uncle, Ted Frisch, played from 192-50) and was a Cub fan.

Survivors include one son Jeff (Sue) Frisch, Stevens Point; one daughter, Jane (Jeff) Gavin, Stevens Point; dear friend and love, Janet Wolle, Stevens Point; two brothers, Donald Frisch, Spencer, and Raymond (Elizabeth) Frisch, Galesville; six grandchildren, Jeremy Frisch (UW-LaCrosse), Jaysie Frisch (UW-Oshkosh), and Allison Frisch, Stevens Point, and Jesse, Jadee and Jakob Gavin, all of Stevens Point; several nieces and nephews; along with Janet Wolle’s Children, Jim (Nancy) Wolle, Marc (Melinda) Wolle, and Susan (Duane) Vandre; and her four grandchildren, Michael and Kristine Wolle and Tyler and Justin Vandre.

Preceding him in death were his parents; and one sister, Pricilla Keene.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are being established in his name for Stevens Point Youth Baseball Association, the Youth Area Football and the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences may be sent to www.pisarskifuneralhome.com.

Pisarski/Dzikoski Funeral Home, Stevens Point, is assisting the family with arrangements.