Robert Eric Frykenberg

MADISON - Robert Eric Frykenberg, 94, of Madison, WI, passed away peacefully on April 15th, 2025. Born on June 8th, 1930, to Carl Eric and Doris Marie (Skoglund) Frykenberg in Ootacamund, South India, he grew up in Nalgonda, Telangana. He was one of three brothers, Kenneth Richard (“Dick”) and John (living), and one sister, Jeanne DeVos.

Robert is survived by his brother, John (Joan); three children, Ann, Brian (Sarah), Craig (Audrey); five grandchildren, Ian (Samantha), Rachel (Myko), Matthew (Paulina), Samuel, David; and five great-grandchildren.

Robert (“Bob”) attended Breeks (Ooty) and Highclerc, now Kodaikanal International School (Kodai). While still young he committed his life to Jesus Christ, and for the rest of his life sought to serve his Savior and Lord. In 1942 he was evacuated to America with his family aboard the S. S. Brazil. He attended Wheaton (IL) Academy (1945-47), and Bethel College and Seminary (now Bethel University) in St. Paul, MN (1951, subsequently with a B.D. and M.Div. 1954).

In 1952 Robert (“Bob”) married Carol E. Addington of St. Paul. He earned an M.A from the University of Minnesota and was ordained at Grace Baptist Church, Minneapolis (1954), where the young couple stayed. He then embarked on graduate studies at UC Berkeley (1954-58). He earned a Ph.D. from SOAS at London University (1958-61). After teaching at the University of Chicago (1961-62) he joined the University of Wisconsin, Madison faculty and served there as Professor of History and South Asian Studies from 1962 to 1998.

An affable and energetic friend and colleague who enjoyed tennis, householding, and extensive international travel, Bob was a staunch advocate for academic freedom. He was a strong supporter of and advisor to InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at UW Madison, as well as for the “Pres House” and other devotional centers on campus. He pursued his avid interest in the history of Christianity in India beyond his retirement with great distinction, and donated most of his extensive library to the South Asia Institute for Advance Christian Studies.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, 23 May 2025, 11 a.m., at Resurrection Chapel, Oakwood, University Woods Campus, 6205 Mineral Point Road, Madison, WI 53605.

In lieu of flowers, kindly send donations to the Oakwood Foundation, 6201 Mineral Point Road, Madison, WI 53605.

“He [Christ] rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of his dear Son, in whom we secure redemption, and our sins are forgiven. He is the image of the invisible God. He holds primacy over all creation…things in heaven and on earth, both visible and invisible…” (Colossians 1:13-16)