Joseph Henry Frobase

Joseph Henry Frobase

Joseph Frobase, age 72, passed peacefully among family on May 3, 2026. He was born on November 2, 1953 in Oregon, Ohio to the late Warner and Iva (Roberts) Frobase. Joe was a 1971 graduate of Clay High School, where he excelled at wrestling. Joe started working at the age of 15 for Dunn Chevy Buick, eventually becoming a respected and loyal manager of Dunn Chevy Buick for over 50 years. In the Chevy industry, he was a decorated manager who won numerous awards for leading sales. He was a true “car guy” and genuinely loved “his guys” and customers at Dunn.

Joe married his wife, Helen Humberger on November 30, 1974 and together they started their family. His true success and love in life was his family. The pictures and stories Joe shared about his daughters and grandkids showcased this pride. Joe was a successful manager for both of his daughter’s softball teams; The Lady Sharks & Team Coca-Cola. Through his years of coaching, he influenced many lives and was like a second father to many. His secret for success was knowing that any business (or team for that matter) truly relied on the quality of people you surround yourself with. In his spare time, Joe was a HAM radio operator and a skilled marksman. He enjoyed traveling with his family and taking trips to Wyoming with his friends. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him, especially those lucky enough to be called his “buddy.”

Joe is survived by his loving wife, of 51 years, Helen Frobase; daughters, Heather (Michael) Szymczak, and Alyssa (Brett) Reynolds; grandchildren, Michael and Emilie Szymczak, and Braden, Averie, and Alexander Reynolds; his brother, Robert (Ursula) Frobase and his many loyal friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Betty Sweeney, Margaret Gormley, and Mary Foreman.

We would like to thank our friends at MemoryLane, NWO Hospice, and Area Office on Aging for their much appreciated support.

Family and friends may visit the Freck Funeral Chapel, 1155 S. Wynn Rd in Oregon on Friday, May 8, 2026 from 2 – 8:00 p.m. The funeral Mass service will be celebrated on Saturday, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Jerome Catholic Church in Walbridge, where family will greet guests after 9:00 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Ignatius Cemetery in Oregon. Following the burial, the family invites friends and family to a celebration of life luncheon at The Barn, 1010 Bury Rd in Oregon. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Joe can be made to MemoryLane Care Services, Hospice of NWO, or St. Jerome Catholic Church.