In Remembrance

Troy Allan Fralich 1/27/1973-11/2/2026

Troy “Tig” Fralich graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1991. Always a go-getter with an entrepreneurial spirit, Troy first started his own drywall business, Tigger’s Drywall, before pursuing his dream of becoming a police officer. He went on to serve as a Deputy Sheriff with the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office for 14 years.

During his time in law enforcement, Troy discovered a passion for smoking meat and barbecue. What started as a hobby with his first pull-behind smoker, affectionately named Woody, quickly grew into something much bigger. He began serving his famous ribs, sandwiches, and beans at festivals, street dances, and local events. After retiring from law enforcement, he upgraded to a food truck, and Tig’s BBQ became a local favorite. More recently, Troy fulfilled another dream by opening his own restaurant, turning his passion into a business that brought people together.

It is impossible to sum up Troy’s life by listing his accomplishments. He was a man who seemed to know everyone, and everywhere he went, he made connections and made people feel welcome. He had a wicked sense of humor, a quick wit, and an incredible ability to make people laugh. One of his favorite places to be was the shack with Uncle Bill, their special place to escape, relax, and enjoy each other’s company.

Troy was deeply committed to supporting the law enforcement community and their families, particularly through mental health awareness and officer wellness. As president of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), he helped develop programs supporting officers and their families, many of which were eventually implemented statewide. He also believed in helping people in whatever way he could. From making sure officers working on Thanksgiving and Christmas had a good meal to hosting annual fundraisers for families impacted by cancer, Troy was always looking for ways to give back. His generosity extended into everyday life, too. Whether painting walls, hanging drywall, making repairs, or plowing driveways, he never hesitated to lend a hand and never expected anything in return.

Above all else, Troy’s greatest love was his family. His wife, Jess, his sons, Logan and Lukas, and his faithful dog, Thor, were his pride and joy and the most important part of his life.

Troy is survived by his wife, Jessica; his sons, Logan (Jeremy) and Lukas; his mother, Mary; his sister, Shelly Freese; his nephew, Jack Freese; his niece, Chloe Freese; his in-laws, Duane and Debby Kluender, and Julie Hundt and Alex Hundt; and countless friends he considered family.

Troy’s life was about so much more than the jobs he held, the businesses he built, or the accomplishments he achieved. It was about the people he loved, the friendships he made, the laughter he shared, and the countless lives he touched along the way. His kindness and generosity created ripples that will continue through the lives of everyone fortunate enough to have known him.

Troy will be missed more deeply than words can express, but his legacy will live on. The world was a better place because Troy was in it.