Brent Malcolm Froberg
Baylor University
Born April 8, 1943
Died June 8, 2020
The Baylor University Department of Classics is saddened to report the recent death of a cherished member of our faculty, Dr. Brent M. Froberg. Born April 8, 1943 in Baltimore, Maryland, Dr. Froberg retired in December 2020 after 19 years of distinguished teaching as a lecturer and senior lecturer in the Classics Department. He died June 8, 2020.
Though born in Baltimore, Dr. Froberg grew up in Valparaiso, Indiana, where he attended the public schools. His mother was a Latin teacher in Valparaiso. One of his favorite memories was returning the favor of her help with his early Latin studies by aiding her in her study of Greek later in life. He received both his BA and MA in Classics from Indiana University. He completed his PhD in Classics at the Ohio State University in 1971.
After teaching for a short time at the University of Tennessee, he spent the first part of his career at the University of South Dakota, Vermillion. A few years after retiring from the University of South Dakota, he joined the Classics faculty at Baylor University in 2001. He was a dedicated teacher and much beloved by his students in Greek classes of all levels and Classical Mythology. He was also a dear colleague, bringing a lifetime of experience in the discipline to departmental conversations. He was warm, witty, and a stickler for grammar, which latter trait made him the unofficial copy editor of most documents emanating from the Classics Department! He was also a devoted fan of the New York Times crossword puzzle and a supporter of the Metropolitan Opera.
His dedication to the discipline extended beyond the classroom. Dr. Froberg was deeply involved in Eta Sigma Phi (the national Classics honors society), serving as executive secretary for a number of years and as a trustee. He was also an active member of the Virgilian Society and the Classical Association of the Middle West and South. An enthusiastic College Bowl participant as an undergraduate, he was later inspired to sponsor College Bowl teams, both at the University of South Dakota and Baylor.
He was also devoted to Biblical studies. He was active in Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship in Indiana, sponsored the I-V chapter at the University of South Dakota, and frequently taught Sunday School classes. He was a strong advocate for the preservation of the environment and for the ethical treatment of animals. He was a valued volunteer at the Gospel Café in Waco, Texas, and was well known for his colorful array of bow ties.
Brent is survived by Gail, his wife of fifty years; his brother Dr. Kim Froberg, and wife, Dr. Linda Froberg; sisters, Sheri Milton and Wyn Hyzer, and Wyn's husband, John; along with numerous nieces and nephews. For now, plans for a memorial service will be delayed by the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions.
The following obituary was published here: https://www.whbfamily.com/obituaries/Brent-Malcolm-Froberg?obId=14993966#/obituaryInfo.
Brent Malcolm Froberg, born April 8, 1943, in Baltimore, MD, to Lawrence O. and Ruth Froberg, passed away Monday, June 8. A memorial service will be held later, after the threat of viral illness has diminished.
He attended Valparaiso, IN, public schools and received both BA and MA degrees in Classics from Indiana University, receiving a Ford Foundation scholarship. He completed his PhD in Classics at Ohio State University in 1971.
His teaching career included the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; the University of South Dakota, Vermillion; and Baylor University. Dedicated to the teaching of Classics, he had been executive secretary and a trustee of Eta Sigma Phi, a national honorary student organization that promotes the study of the Classics, and an active member of the Virgilian Society and the Classical Association of the Midwest and South.
An enthusiastic College Bowl participant as an undergraduate, he was later inspired to sponsor College Bowl teams, both at USD and Baylor.Brent was also an enthusiastic Metropolitan Opera fan and supporter. He loved music and playing clarinet in high school, in the Indiana Marching Band, and in the Golden Age Band in Vermillion, as well as in the Sioux City Summer Band.
He was devoted to Biblical studies, was active in Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship in Indiana, sponsored the I-V chapter at the University of South Dakota, and frequently taught Sunday school classes. He was a strong advocate for the preservation of the environment and for ethical treatment of animals. He was a valued volunteer at the Gospel Cafe and was well-known for his colorful array of bowties.
Brent is survived by Gail, his wife of 50 years; his brother, Dr. Kim Froberg and wife, Dr. Linda Froberg; sisters, Sheri Milton, and Wyn Hyzer and husband, John; along with numerous nieces and nephews.