James Fraunberg

NAME JAMES "Jim" H. Fraunberg, age 77, of Maple Park, formerly of Elburn, passed away unexpectedly at his home, Tuesday, July 12, 2011. BORN: He was born June 14, 1934 in Sycamore, the son of Charles and Lillian (Joslin) Fraunberg. EARLY YEARS:Jim grew up in Sycamore, IL and attended local schools. Jim began his working career early, first working for the railroad, laying railroad ties and later for DeKalb Ag, hauling grain. MARRIAGE: Jim married Fern Halverson-Boehne and was blessed with three children. Later, Jim was lucky in love a second time when he met Marie Hamblen who also had children of her own. On March 5, 1966 they were united in marriage and through the years that followed they raised their blended family together and remained in Elburn. The strength of will that made them "survivors", sometimes made them "warriors" as well, but always the love they cherished kept them together.RESIDENTIAL HISTORY: As times changed and the children grew, Jim and Marie moved from Elburn to Maple Park a year before Marie’s sudden passing in 2008. Jim continued to make his home in Maple Park. OCCUPATION / WORK HISTORY:Jim later worked for Harry Neely as a well driller for a time before working as a maintenance man at the Elburn Packing Plant before it closed its doors in 1988. Even though Jim then retired, he never stopped working. Trapping became a focus, one that he enjoyed and one that provided Jim with a way to help support his family. When he wasn’t surrounded by mother nature, he also helped deliver cars for Harms, and later Bob Jass Chevrolet. MEMBERSHIPS: Jim was a volunteer fireman for the Linden Wood Fire Department for many years. LIFE NOTES: Jim was a "rock" of a man, who stature reminded one of a mighty oak tree. Jim’s smile was full of warmth, but with a kick of mischief that always kept you guessing. He was also a "Harley Man" and was proud to own several over his lifetime, enjoying rides with friends and making memories with every mile. Fishing in Oregon with Rick and in Wisconsin with his son Jim provided many stories, the truthfulness of which were to be debated between family and friends for many years. Jim and Marie loved to go to auctions in search of their own personal "treasure" that they proudly showed to family and friends. Jim’s hands were always busy fixing something, his hands dirty with grease from working on several kinds of motors. SURVIVORS: He was survived by three children: Cindy Walls of Beach City, OH, Lindy (Rick) Ostrom of Elburn, IL James (Ae.yang) Boehne, of South Elgin, IL Four step-children: Robert Hamblen Jr., of Maple Park, IL, Ronald Hamblen of Marshall, WI, Rodney (Rose) Hamblen of Huntley, IL, Sharon French of Washington State, And one special Daughter-in-law Judi Hamblin Thirteen Grandchildren; Fifteen Great Grandchildren;One great-great granddaughter;One sister, Barbara Phillips of DeKalb, IL;Several nieces, nephews, cousins and a countryside of friends. PRECEDED:He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Marie, and one brother Gerald Fraunberg.VISITATION / FUNERAL Jim spent his best times with family and friends over a cup of coffee sharing a story or two, so the family would like to invite all his friends to "Jim’s Coffee Shop" in the lower level of the Lily Lake Congregational Church, 44W188 Empire Rd. Come and share your best stories (or tall tales) from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, July 30, 2011. Private family interment will follow at a later date. MEMORIAL In lieu flowers, a memorial has been established in his name to benefit his favorite charities. Checks may be made to the "Jim Fraunberg Memorial" and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address or on the web at www.conleycare.com.

Jim spent his best times with family and friends over a cup of coffee sharing a story or two, so the family would like to invite all his friends to "Jim’s Coffee Shop" in the lower level of the Lily Lake Congregational Church, 44W188 Empire Rd. Come and share your best stories (or tall tales) from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, July 30, 2011. Private family interment will follow at a later date.

Private interment will follow at a later date