In Memory: Rev. Arthur H. Frenz Jr.
Rev. Arthur Hilbert Frenz, who faithfully served the Goodhue community as a spiritual leader for many years, passed away at his home in the Twin Cities metro area. Known to some as “Archie”, he was raised in Two Rivers, WI, the youngest of 4 children. He met Virginia when a classmate set them up on a blind date for a party. They were married 57 years and had two sons and one daughter. Their family expanded to include two daughters-in-law, one son-in-law and nine grandsons. At the age of 83 years, Archie passed peacefully from earthly life to eternal life with his Savior.
Pastor Frenz was a dedicated minister within the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). During Archie’s 40 years of ministry he was a faithful shepherd of five Minnesota churches. On June 9, 1974, he was officially installed as the head pastor of sister congregations, St. John's and Grace Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Goodhue Township. Throughout the mid-1970s and 1980s, he guided local families through countless baptisms, confirmations, weddings, and funerals. Following his impactful ministry in Goodhue, Pastor Frenz relocated to northern Minnesota, where he spent many years serving as the pastor of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Baxter/Brainerd. He eventually retired to Maplewood, Minnesota.
In various stages of adult life, he enjoyed a variety of hobbies and activities. These included camping, motorcycling, cross-country skiing, playing the dulcimer and making floral arrangements. Two special desires that he fulfilled were taking sailing lessons on Lake Superior and taking watercolor painting classes. God blessed him with 17 years of retirement. One of the greatest joys of this chapter in his life was living near all nine grandsons and seeing them often.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Virginia “Ginny” Frenz, and family. A memorial service was held at Christ Lutheran Church of North St. Paul and Hugo, MN on August 12, 2026. Blessed be his memory.
