Vernon Lee Frenzel

Vernon was born on December 25, 1927 in Giddings, Lee County, Texas. Shortly after graduating High School, he joined the Marines. He served in China, Guam and the Battle of Marianas.

Vernon moved to California where he married Nina Hawes in 1949. From this union, they had a daughter named Evon Coffman. Nina passed in September of 1969. Vernon married Brigitte Plitzner-Dennis on December 13, 1970.

Vernon earned a degree in Fire Science. He dedicated 28 ½ years to the Fire Department in Ventura City, California.

Vernon’s heart-felt wish was to retire on the Grand Mesa in Colorado. He and Brigitte lived there for 30 years.

Being an avid outdoorsman, Vernon loved everything from camping, fishing, hunting, and boating to sports, cars, motorcycles, motorcross, dragsters – even building one of his own, and beyond.

With pride, Vernon supported the Grand Junction Symphony and was a devoted member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.

He is survived by his wife, Brigitte; daughters, Evon Coffman and Susanne Marusich (Chuck); granddaughters, Stephanie Marusich, Charlene Crawford (Brian) and Laura Crawford; grandson, Charles Marusich (Cristee); 7 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

His son, James Fritz Frenzel, preceded him in death on June 14, 2025.

A Holy Mass will be held at 11:00 A.M. on December 11, 2025 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Grand Junction, Colorado.

Contributions may be made to:

Grand Junction Symphony Foundation

414 Main Street

Grand Junction, CO 81501