William Bill Michael Frahler

Beloved by his family, admired by his friends, and appreciated by his community, William Michael Frahler stepped into God’s presence on August 16, 2010 at the age of 92. Named Tigard’s very first “First Citizen” in 1975 and having been named as Oregon Business Leader of the Year in 1979, Bill was extremely generous to all. As founder of a very successful business, Frahler Electric Company, Bill was an honest hard working businessman that cared for his employees. Above all his accomplishments, Bill placed primary importance on his family and his faith in Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior.

Bill was the first child born to German and Hungarian immigrant parents, Andrew and Sophie Frahler, in Portland, Oregon on April 28, 1918. He graduated from Chapman Grade School and Benson High School, earning a degree in technical electricity in 1936.

As family and friends think of Bill, a smile will undoubtedly come to their faces as they remember his quick sense of humor and generous fun-loving spirit. An avid fisherman and hunter, he delighted in sharing the joy of the outdoors with all his children and grandchildren. On his 92nd birthday, Bill took joy in catching two spring Chinook salmon. Always high man on the river, he refined his craft over the years. Beginning as a young man in Portland’s Slabtown, he made his own boats, fishing rods, hooks, and lines. Likewise, Bill enjoyed hunting throughout his life and took pride in providing food for his family. He proudly displayed his big game trophies.

Bill credited his parents for impressing on him the virtues of honesty and hard work. Bill’s motto: “The harder you work, the luckier you get”.

Bill served as President of Tigard Rotary and received many awards from that organization, including Paul Harris Fellow, Rotarian of the Year, Rotary Pioneer, Rotary Foundation President’s Circle, and charter member. He and his wife Alva were named Tigard Rotary’s first Couple of the Year in 1983. Bill sold 5,458 dozen roses for Rotary over the years, earning $40,000 for their philanthropic causes. In his role, as an Al Kader Shriner, Bill was a charter member of the Shriner’s Hospital 100 Million Dollar Club, providing resources at no charge to burned and crippled children. A veteran member of the National Electrical Contractors Association, Bill joined in 1974. He was a member of IBEW Local 48 since January, 1942. He was proud to have installed the first degaussing system of the First World War II Liberty Ship, The Star of Oregon.

Bill is survived by his three beloved children, Michael Frahler, Dick Frahler, and Janine Frahler Schulwitz; grandchildren Ward Frahler, Aaron Frahler, Chelsea Etherington, Clint Frahler, Len Schulwitz, Jr., Ashleigh Schulwitz, Matthew Schulwitz, and Christopher Schulwitz; nine great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandson; his brother, Andy; and four nieces and nephews who loved their Uncle Bill.

Bill’s wife of almost 55 years, Alva Rask Frahler, predeceased him in 1995. He later married Lillian King who passed away in 2008.

Visitation will be held at Young's Funeral Home on Thursday, August 19, 2010 from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm. A Service To Celebrate His Life will be held at Tigard Christian Church, 13405 SW Hall Blvd., Tigard, Oregon 97223, on Friday, August 20, 2010 at 2:00 pm. Committal will be at Crescent Grove Cemetery on Friday, August 20, 2010 at 3:30 pm.

Donations in his name may be made to the Shriners Hospital in Portland or to Metzger United Methodist Church.