Howard Frisinger was born on February 28, 1933, in Ann Arbor, Mich. He grew up in Ann Arbor and attended the University of Michigan, earning four degrees, including a Doctorate in Mathematics in 1964.
While a student at the University of Michigan, Howard met a nursing student, Mim Rinkevicz, at a summer school square dance in June 1953. Howard was immediately smitten. It took Mim a little longer. They were married August 14, 1954, at the Michigan Catholic Student Chapel. They shared 63 years of love which grew deeper with each year.
Following his graduation, Howard entered the Air Force as a second Lieutenant in July 1956. He was assigned to a SAC base in the Moroccan desert. His family of Mim and two young daughters, Lisa Marie and Cynthia Ann, accompanied Howard to this new and remote base. Howard served as a weather officer on base from January 1959 to September 1960. While serving, Mim gave birth to their son, Stephen Michael. In February of 1960, Howard was offered the highly sought after appointment to the Regular Air Force. Howard had seriously considered making a career in the Air Force, but he had a dream of becoming a college teacher, so he turned the offer down and left active duty in September 1960 to return with his family to Ann Arbor. He entered the graduate program in mathematics at Michigan. Howard remained in the Air Force Ready Reserve from 1960 to 1964, and obtained the rank of captain.
Howard obtained his doctorate in mathematics in December1964. So, Howard and his family moved to Fort Collins, where a third daughter, Laura Ruth, was born. During his 35 years at Colorado State University, Howard was a member of many professional societies including: The American Mathematics Society, The American Meteorological Society, The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the International History of Science Society.
Howard was ordained a permanent deacon in the Roman Catholic Church on May 9, 1981, serving most of his ministry at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Fort Collins. His greatest joy as a deacon occurred when he baptized four of his grandchildren and was the minister at each of his daughters’ weddings. He is survived by his wife, Mim, daughter, Lisa (Doug), daughter, Cindy (Gregg), son, Steve (Kathleen) and daughter, Laura, his brother Joe, and six grandchildren.
Viewing was be held from 5-6:30 pm, Monday, Jan. 8, at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Parish, Fort Collins, with Vespers taking place at 6:30 pm. Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m., Tuesday, January 9, also at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Parish. A luncheon immediately followed the service, with interment at Grandview Cemetery in the afternoon.
In lieu of flowers, please do something kind for a stranger in memory of Howard.
