Edwin M. Frisse, 93
Edwin M. Frisse, 93, of Highland died on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2015 at Faith Care Center in Highland.
A funeral Mass was held on Monday, Dec. 7 at St. Paul Catholic Church in Highland, with Father Pat G. Jakel and Father David L. Peters officiating. Burial was in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Highland. Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland was in charge of arrangements.
He was born on Jan. 4, 1922 in Highland to John and Mary (Walsh) Frisse Sr. On June 1, 1946, he married Elaine Ruth Apken. She survives in Highland.
Mr. Frisse graduated from St. Paul High School in Highland in 1940. He joined the U.S. Army during World War II and had duty in Europe with the 11th Armored Division and participated in the Battle of the Bulge.
When he returned to Highland, he worked for Spengel Furniture Store.
He started at Highland Machine & Screw in 1946 as a bookkeeper. He eventually purchased the business. He remained chairman of the board of Highland Machine and still went to his office six days a week until two months ago.
Mr. Frisse was a successful businessman, who was generous and mentored many people. He had also been a former vice president of Tri-Onics, chairman of Highland Spring and Specialty, and was a former member of the board of directors for 1st National Bank.
He was elected to the Highland Illinois Area School Alumni Association Hall of Fame for business and was also a recipient of Highland Chamber of Commerce’s Bob Hardy Citizen of the Year Award.
He enjoyed his lawn and garden and loved being outdoors. He played bridge in a club for close to 50 years. He was a simple man dedicated to his family.
Mr. Frisse was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church, where he served as a parish trustee and school board trustee. He was a big supporter of the church, as well as Kirchenfest and Mater Dei High School.
He had also been a former president of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and served as a board member for the St. Joseph Hospital Foundation. He was a member of Knights of Columbus Council 1510, Lee Iten American Legion Post 439, VFW Post 5694, all in Highland, and the Highland Area Community Foundation.
Other survivors include son, David M. (Doris) Frisse, Esq., of Paris, Ill., and Dr. Mark E. (Tina) Frisse, M.D., of Nashville, Tenn.; a daughter, Sue E. (Bill) Sullivan, CPA, of Highland; grandchildren, Megan C. Sullivan of Takoma Park, Md., Wm. Andrew (Stephanie) Sullivan of Highland, Dr. Elizabeth A. Frisse, M.D., of St. Louis, Mo., Caitlin M. Sullivan of Highland and Ann C. Frisse of St. Louis, Mo.; and a brother, Norbert “Butch” (Joann) Frisse of Edwardsville.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Alvin Frisse; sisters, Margaret Hellrung and Dorothy Schmidt; and a brother, John J. Frisse Jr., who died on Feb. 27, 2010.
Memorials may be made to the Highland Area Community Foundation or Friends of St. Joseph Hospital.
This story was originally published December 7, 2015 at 7:56 AM with the headline "Edwin M. Frisse, 93."