Virginia Beach-Ernie Frens was born on April 29, 1927, in Grand Rapids, Michigan to immigrants from the Netherlands. He and his high school sweetheart, Marion Kauffman, got married when they were 19 years old. Ernie graduated from Michigan State College class of 1953 and had two terms of service in the Navy just when he and Marion were starting their family. He served as a cook on a tugboat during World War II and the Korean War. They raised a daughter and three sons (Chris, Jim, Dave, and Tom) and were always active in their church. Ernie worked his entire career for General Electric as a metallurgical engineer in the manufacturing of large steam turbines. After retirement at age 55, he and Marion devoted 6 years to mission work in the Philippines and Venezuela. Ernie played the tuba, loved fishing and woodworking, and was an avid boatsman. Marion passed away on December 18, 2016. In Ernie’s last years he grew increasingly desirous to “go home,” which meant seeing the God he loved and reuniting with Marion. That desire was fulfilled at age 99 on May 24, 2026. Grandpa Frens will be missed by his 4 children and their spouses, 10 grandchildren, and 15 greatgrandchildren. Services are private. Please post your fondest condolences to the family at the Cremation Society of Virginia website.