Obituary of David Froehlich

David V Froehlich: Lt Col. David Vernon Froehlich, 76, retired USAF, passed away on Monday, August 30, 2021 in one of his favorite places in the world, the Big Island of Hawaii. A native Californian, Dave was born February 26, 1945, at the Chico Army Air Field Station Hospital to Vernon and Dorothy Froehlich. He lived there only three months, and as an Air Force “brat”, he moved many times, finally graduating high school at Clark AFB in the Philippines. He then went on to Iowa State University for his Bachelors, and would later get his MBA at Inter American University, located in Puerto Rico. Upon graduation from Iowa State, Dave was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force and headed off to pilot training at Laughlin AFB in Del Rio Texas. During the next 26 years of his Air Force career, he would pilot nine different fighter, bomber and transport aircraft, amassing nearly 5000 total flying hours including over 500 combat hours during the Vietnam War. In addition to his flight duties, he also held a number of staff and command positions, including instructing at the Air Force Academy and as a member of the Air Force Inspector General staff in the Pentagon. A bout with cancer grounded him however, and he was medically retired in 1992 as a Lieutenant Colonel with over 26 years of service. Not one to sit around, Dave began his second career at Sacramento City College, and would spend the next 20-year’s of his professional life managing educational facilities, operations and construction bond programs, not only at Sac City, but subsequently at two bay area unified school districts and lastly at Solano Community College District where he retired in 2012. While an instructor at the Air Force Academy, Dave met his wife Shila, who was also working at the Academy, fell in love, and married in 1975. He instantly became a father to Jason Elliott, and then had two children, a daughter Jennifer, and son David. Dave was a devoted husband, father, father-in-law, and grandfather who would do anything for his family. His adventurous spirit led them on family vacations to different cities, camping in national and state parks, and seeing this country he loved. He loved flying airplanes, cars, reading, traveling, and playing poker. Dave was principled, hard working, loving, kind, and strong. As a two time cancer survivor, he always put up a fight and never stopped living. Dave was a registered Scout leader for over 30 years serving in positions at all levels from Cubmaster and Scoutmaster through Council Vice President, receiving numerous awards. He previously coached and refereed soccer, coached Little League teams, and was an avid racquetball player. He most recently served as Fight Captain for the Daedalians and was active with the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association, and two local corvette clubs; the River City Corvette Club and Just for Corvettes. During his retirement, Dave spent his time trying to keep up with his grandkids, being active with his Veterans groups, driving his corvette, and traveling the world, on land and sea, with his wife Shila. Dave is survived by his wife Shila, sons Jason (Stuey) and David (Jason), son-in-law Andy (Missy), and grandchildren Taylor, Dylan, Trevor, Cody, Lucy, Gabby, Evey. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donation at the following: https://davidvfroehlich-donation-in-lieu-of-flowers.cheddarup.com Family & Friends are invited to sign the online guestbook and light a candle for David.