"I remember going to Don?s hardware store at Miracle Mile with my Dad as a young boy and how gracious Don was to those he served. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you mourn the loss of this good man. "
In loving memory of
Donald Frerichs
January 3, 1931 - June 27, 2019
Donald L. Frerichs (Don), 88, of Rochester, MN passed away on Thursday, June 27, 2019 at St. Mary's Hospital.
Don was born on January 3, 1931 to Wallace and Alma (Rehborg) Frerichs in Ocheyedan, Iowa. Don graduated from Worthington High School in 1949 and later from Mankato State University. He was inducted into the athletic hall of fame at both schools. He served in the United States Army for 14 years. On June 15, 1951 Don married his high school sweetheart Dianne Rickbeil in Worthington. While the couple lived in Worthington, he worked at the hardware store until moving to Rochester in 1958 where he opened Frerichs' Hardware in the Miracle Mile. Throughout his life, Don owned and operated many successful small businesses. In 1981 he was elected to the MN State House of Representatives and served in the legislature for 16 years, representing Rochester and surrounding areas. Don also served on several boards including the Mississippi River Parkway Commission and Accentra Credit Union, which were both very important to him. He was a faithful member of Gloria Dei Lutheran church for more than 50 years and loved to spend his free time with family, fishing, golfing, skiing, and gardening.
Don is survived by his wife Dianne of Rochester; Sons, Craig (Rosanne Betz) Frerichs of Minneapolis, MN, Scott (Lisa) Frerichs of Hockessin, DE; Daughter Krista (Christopher) Preble of Leesburg, VA; Sisters, Beatrice Thompson of Houston, TX, Phyllis (Jerry) Scribner of Trego, WI, Janet (Larry) Hughes of Chisago City, MN; Sister-In-Law Jeanne Frerichs of Roseville, MN; and seven grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; Son Randall; Brother Wendell; and Brother in Law Russell (Thompson).
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the Randall D. Frerichs Scholarship Fund at Gustavus Adolphus College 800 West College Avenue, St. Peter, MN 56082 or Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.
A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, July 6, 2019 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Rochester. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service also at the church. Burial will be at Oakwood cemetery with honors provided by American Legion Post #92.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes is honored to be serving the Frerichs family. To leave a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Tributes
"Don was wonderful family man, business man, friend, and boss. I will never forget the huge smile I saw from Don while sitting in the pew of my wedding over 25 years ago. I will always remember Don in that way and his life touched so many along the way. Don, you will be sorely missed. "
"Dear Dianne, Craig and Frerichs family, You have so much to be proud of and thankful for with Don. I learned even more from reading his obituary... what an accomplished man! I remember Don with fondness and his ability to talk politics, world issues and cars! He always had an opinion and I always learned something new. He was loved and respected and Tony and I send our condolences and many hugs. Much love you your family. ? Christine and Tony Parr"