First Cookbook

THE HISTORY OF FRISKY'S

Frisky’s is inspired by the legacy of Francis E. “Frisky” Frost and his wife, Lenore—lifelong members of the Merrill community who believed deeply in faith, family, service, and sharing good food with others. In 1958, after years of preparing meals for local churches and community organizations, Lenore founded Frost Catering. Together, she and Frisky built a successful family catering business known for warmth, generosity, and heartfelt hospitality. Today, Frisky’s Casual Catering Co. proudly carries that tradition forward, combining slow-smoked favorites and crowd-pleasing comfort food with the same personal service that began around Lenore and Frisky’s table generations ago.

TODAY: Frisky’s Casual Catering Co. is a sister operation to From Scratch Catering and Event Planning.  It is owned by Frisky and Lenore’s Grandson, Jeff Jacobs.  Matthew Labadie is the executive chef and creative mind behind the menu.  Frisky’s was created out of a necessity to provide incredible food without the expensive frills often associated with formal event catering.  If you are looking for great food and a simplified service approach, you’ve come to the right place.

FRISKY

Lenore and Francis E. (Frisky) Frost were married on November 7, 1937, at Sacred Heart Church in Merrill, Michigan. They shared 52 wonderful years of marriage, celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary in 1987 at the Ingersoll Township Hall.

Frisky was born on March 7, 1909, in Jonesfield Township, Michigan, to George and Louise (DeBeau) Frost. He attended Bellen School and graduated from Merrill Sacred Heart Catholic School in 1923. Frisky was known for working three jobs when he was a young, father, one being at the Treasurer’s Office in the Saginaw Courthouse as an accounting clerk and also with his father in law helping with electrical work.   He was also employed by Dow Chemical Company for several years.   In 1941, he became active in local efforts supporting World War II, joining with other Jonesfield Township colleagues on the Saginaw County Defense Council’s Scrap Campaign Drive, which collected scrap metal for the manufacturing of wartime supplies.

Frisky remained active in his community throughout his life. He served for many years on the committee organizing the Merrill Sacred Heart Academy Alumni Homecoming Program and participated in the Merrill-Hemlock Knights of Columbus. An avid golfer and an exceptional bowler, Frisky was well-known for breaking numerous bowling records.  He served as Secretary with the Merrill Men's Bowling Association for many years.

Second Cookbook copy

LENORE

Lenore (Poyer) Frost was born on June 12, 1916, in Merrill, Michigan, the daughter of Frank and Evelyn E. (Dubay) Poyer. A graduate of Merrill Sacred Heart Academy, Lenore dedicated her life to service and community. In 1958, she founded Frost Catering, after years of volunteering her talents for organizations like the Knights of Columbus, the Sacred Heart Alumni Association, and the Sacred Heart Altar Society, where she also served as President. Lenore worked as the cafeteria manager for Merrill Public Schools and authored two cookbooks, compiling her favorite recipes alongside those of her family. Even in her 80s, she continued to work side-by-side with her daughter in Jackie Jacobs Catering. Lenore loved reading and treasured the time spent visiting with family and friends.

Frisky and Lenore ran Frost Catering  together for many years to make it successful.  One of their pastimes was traveling throughout the country in their motorhome. Also, a favorite of theirs and the entire family was vacationing at Drummond Island, Michigan.

Frisky and Lenore were the proud parents of Bob, Marilyn, Janet, Sue Ann, Rod, Rick, and Jackie.

Both the Frost and Poyer families have deep roots in Jonesfield Township—Frisky’s family, having settled there in 1865 and Lenore’s around the 1890s. Lifelong members of Merrill Sacred Heart Parish, Frisky and Lenore were well known, beloved for their warmth, generosity, fun-loving nature and dedication  for their community and meaningful contributions to the life of Merrill.   Their lives stand as a testament to faith, family, and service — a legacy that continues to inspire all who knew them.