Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
RIVERTON — If Riverton math teacher Mac Frischknecht ever came across a dejected student, he’d ask them to remind him of his blood type. B-positive, they'd say.
“He’d always want us to remember his blood type so we could ‘be positive’ in any situation we were in,” said Nataya Fielden, Frischknecht’s daughter. “He’d always try and make people smile, even if it was a stranger at the store. If they looked like they were having a bad day, he’d try and be nice to them and reach out to them.”
Frischknecht has taught math in the Jordan School District for the last 30 years and nearly a decade at Riverton High School. Just before Christmas, the well-loved teacher was diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, a rare, degenerative and often fatal brain disorder.
Affecting about one person in every million, CJD usually runs a rapid course. Most cases of CJD appear in those who have no known risk factors for the disease. An infected individual will experience failing memory, behavioral changes and eventually complete mental deterioration.
Frischknecht was diagnosed and admitted to the hospital just before Christmas and has been there ever since. While the doctors are still waiting for some test results, they’ve told the teacher’s family they can expect about 12 weeks to six months more with him. Frischknecht will most likely slip into a coma near the end, his son Tyson Frischknecht said.
While Frischknecht is no longer quite himself, the father of five asked his son, during a moment of clarity, to care for his wife and youngest daughter, who still lives at home.
“Medical bills — and what other costs are to come — have been a major stress on him, while he was still more like himself, and a major stress on our family,” Tyson Frischknecht said.
In an attempt to honor his father’s wish, Tyson Frischknecht created a GoFundMe account* to aid the family with hospital bills and other expenses. One day after the account was created, nearly a thousand people had raised over $50,000.
And the outpouring of love stems from all over: from current and former students to members of Frischknecht’s church where he was serving as a bishop when he was diagnosed.
“Thank you for being a wonderful math teacher and influence in my life. Sending prayers of peace and comfort to you and your family,” said one donator.
“Anything for you and your family, Mac!” said another.
Sheen Beard, a former student body president of Riverton High, said Frischknecht was a huge influence on him as a student, even inspiring him to study to become a math teacher — though Beard is now preparing to apply to dental school.
“Whenever students had a hard time in their life, they would talk to him, and it was like he was their sounding board. People trusted him and they were comfortable with him,” Beard said. “People loved him. They always talked very highly of him. If you mentioned Mac Frischknecht, they’d say, ‘Oh he’s the greatest teacher I’ve ever had!’”
Frischknecht would often stay after hours to help students from all classes, his daughter said, and took on extra tutoring jobs and taught night classes at a local college to earn more money. But though he was often stretched thin between his family, his students and the members of his church, he maintained a positive attitude.
“He’s got a great sense of humor. He’s got a very special way of describing and explaining math to students. He’s very approachable. He’s very willing to accept student assignments and things that may have been a difficulty for others, and he’s very able to talk to kids,” Riverton High principal Carolyn Gough said.
Tyson Frischknecht said his dad was the type of person to jump up and help out rather than wait around for something to get done. He would never come home and expect food to be on the table but would always start making dinner or see what he could do to help.
“He really cares about people and he pretty much gives all of his time serving,” Tyson Frischknecht said.
Fielden said her dad and three older brothers would sing “Goodnight Sweetheart” to her and her mother and younger sister before they would go to bed each night.
“They sang it one last time before he was really kind of losing his mind. But the songs have really, you can see it, he kind of comes back, and he sings along with us as we’re singing the songs,” she said.
And though Frischknecht can’t currently remember everything about who he is, those who know him certainly will never forget.
“He truly cared about all of the students and his family and people of the ward in our church. He just really had a genuine love for everyone,” Fielden said.
*Disclaimer: KSL.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does KSL.com assure that the monies deposited will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit or donation you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
