ROBERT J. FRISCH, 91, passed peacefully from this life on December 27, 2015 in Clancy Montana due to a rapid decline from multiple causes. Beloved by many, Bob’s love of life included fishing, hunting, woodworking, and traveling, camping and lively gatherings with family and friends.
Born in Cincinnati Ohio to Joseph and Hilda ( Klinkicht) on May 27, 1924, he was the eldest of three boys. Bob entered the Army Air Corps flying school in 1943 and graduated in April 1944. He was assigned to the 339th Fighter Group in October 1944. They were stationed at Fowlmere, England.
During World War II, Bob flew 61 missions and destroyed six enemy aircraft on the ground and damaged one in the air. He was one of a few pilots to achieve ace status with ground kills only.
He flew the P-40, P-51, F-86, F-89 and F-102 aircraft. He also delivered the first F-106 to the Air Force in 1959. After 27 years in the Air Force he retired as a Lt. Colonel in December 1969.
After the military, he became a real estate agent and broker and eventually a partner at Tomlinson Black Realty in Spokane Washington. In 1995 he became a real estate developer.
Bob had the unique gift of story and joke telling, especially after a little bourbon. No one could tell a joke or story like him. His ability to remember punch lines and precise timing were memorable. Bob drove his car like he was making low bombing runs and never lost his “fighter pilot” attitude. He never said no, and was always ready to go or fly anywhere.
“It has been a tremendous life. I’ve flown the very best fighters with reciprocating engines and the very best of the jets.”
Brother to Kenneth (deceased) and Jerome (deceased). His two marriages ended in divorce, his two children survive him from his first marriage, Lyn Frisch (Michael Theobald) of Seattle Washington, and Scott Frisch (Jennifer Buszka) of Helena Montana. Grandfather to Molly and Dylan Theobald, he was uncle and friend to many.
Family and Bob request that in lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or Elkhorn Health and Rehabilitation Center in Clancy, Montana. Family would like to thank the staff of Helena’s Rocky Mountain Hospice for their care and support. FAMILY WILL RECEIVE FRIENDS 1-1:30 PM, MEMORIAL SERVICE 1:30, FOLLOWED BY A RECEPTION. JANUARY 24, 2016, COMMELLINI JUNCTION, SPOKANE,Washington.
Kelsey Lee says
To the family of Robert J Frisch,
I am sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in knowing that “Jehovah is close to the brokenhearted; He saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18) With sympathy,
Leslie Strecker says
My father Henry C. Strecker graduated from high school at Mt. Healthy Ohio with Robert J. Frisch in his class. We only found that out, when we attended The Gathering air show at Rickenbacker Field in 2007. It was the end of the day, as we were leaving we saw Robert as a featured Ace at the event– too late to meet with Mr. Frisch. Henry was a lover of planes all his life too, also a veteran of the five campaigns in combat infantry WWII Europe. In the synchronicity of the universe, as we know it to be Divine Providence, our family prays that they both continue to be our guardian angels.
Rogers S. Wilson, retired Attorney says
I just came across this obituary not more than 20 minutes ago while thinking of Bob Frisch. I will try to make this brief. In 1964, I was a a lowly 19 year old Flight Operations Specialist with the 496th Fighter Interceptor Squadron stationed at Hahn Air Base, Germany. Then Major Frisch was the Squadron Operations Officer. Major Frisch took somewhat of an interest in me and inquired about my age, background, and interests. That was unusual for a senior officer busily running a fighter squadron during the height of the Cold War. He was liked and, more important, respected by all. After my discharge in 1967, I next saw him by accident in 1970 in Spokane, Washington after I had graduated college and was attending law school. My last meeting with him was at a wildlife art show in Tacoma in the 1980s. A finer man or person I never knew. I salute you, Colonel. You were a superb leader who took the time to get to know a stranger under your command and changed my life. I practiced law for 50 years and am retired now. I will never forget this strong, gentle, patriot. You made a difference, Colonel, and if your family should ever read this, I want them to know that they are products of the best.