Herman Fryling (1869-1947) | Heritage Hall, Hekman Library

Name: Herman Fryling (1869-1947)

Historical Note: Herman Fryling was born in Munnekezijl, Friesland, Netherlands on October 2, 1869. In 1880 with his parents, Fryling immigrated to the United States, and settled in Grand Rapids, Michigan. With a desire to spread the gospel as a missionary, Fryling decided to enroll in Calvin Theological Seminary, graduating in 1869. The same year he was ordained at Spring St. Church in Grand Rapids. He soon left for Fort Defiance, Arizona. This is where he began his missionary work with the Navajo Indians, accompanied by his wife Katie Hoogeboom, and Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Vander Wagen. After only four months in the service, Katie passed away. Fryling was remarried to Jennie Janssen in 1898. In 1905, Fryling accepted the call from a congregation in Pease, Minnesota. He served the congregation only until 1906 because he felt the need to return to his first passion, missionary work. He served as a missionary to the Zunis at Zuni, New Mexico and at Black Rock, New Mexico. In 1929 Fryling retired, and moved to Zeeland and later to Grand Rapids. Fryling passed away on March 28, 1947. He left behind Jennie, 2 sons, a daughter, and 9 grandchildren.

Records or Manuscript Collections Created by Herman Fryling