St. George, UT - Donald R. Fromknecht, Jr. passed away February 26, 2012 at the age of 83 after a long, courageous battle with ALS. He was born in Sioux City, Iowa September 5, 1928. Don and his wife moved to St. George, UT in 1991. Prior to that he had been a resident of California since 1947.

Early in Dons life he was a professional musician and played with symphony orchestras, big bands as well as jazz groups. He also attended the U.S. Navy School of Music in Washington, D.C. Don finished his music career as lead trumpet, with the Gene Krupa Band. Returning to California after his music days, he married Shirley Murphy in San Gabriel, CA in March of 1950.

He retired as a sales executive with the Dow Corning Corporation in 1981. Don enjoyed radio broadcasting. His passion led him to produce, direct and become the voice of Southern Utahs first jazz program. He felt strongly that if people were introduced to this music they would love it as he did.

Don was a member of the St. George Elks Lodge and a member of the Alhambra, CA Masonic Lodge.

Don is survived by his wife, Shirley and his three children, Christy Dearman and Don Fromknecht III of Fullerton, CA and Kurt Fromknecht of Santa Ana, CA. He had seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren all living in CA. Don had one brother, George W. Fromknecht, a retired Navy Captain, who is survived by his wife, Georgia, who resides in Virginia, and their two children, Sandra and Jode.

A Memorial service will be held at the Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, 611 N. 2450 E., St. George, UT on Saturday, March 10 ^th at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers the family request that you could make a donation to ALS Association, 1275 "K" St., NW, Suite 1050, Washington, D.C. 20005 ( www.alsa.org ) or Southern Utah Home Care & Hospice, 640 E. 700 S., Suite 101, St. George, UT 84770. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435) 673-4221.