Robert “Mick” Michal Frey

Friday, October 27, 2017 7:58 pm

Robert “Mick” Michal Frey, 74, passed away suddenly Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017, at his home in Decorah. Services were at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 27, at Decorah Lutheran Church, with Rev. Dave Sorenson and Rev. Brenda Crossfield officiating. Organist was Kathy Murray. Soloist was Don Dilaura (“Softly and Tenderly” and “Go rest High on That Mountain”). Hymns were “What a Friend we have in Jesus” and “Peace in the Valley”). Interment was at Locust Cemetery, Decorah. Casket bearers were Denis Barth, Dean Barth, Patrick Gerleman, Christopher Gerleman, Chad Barth, Tom Ramsey, Alan Frey, Jerry Frey and Billy Frey. Honorary casket bearers were Richard (King’s Kid) Lacey, Harvey (Thumper) Richards,Mike (Crazy Norwegian) Onsager, Bill (WW) Cook, Rod (Rastus) Corbin, Keith (Knuckles) Ferguson, Larry (Special K) Headington, Lenny Graves, Dave Thompson, Bill Kehrli, Lisa Gerleman-Marlow, Christina (Barth) Sauer, Jacinda Barth, Jania Barth, Paul Langelier, Pamela Krumrei, Michelle Kline, Kristi McCabe, Cindy Hoyme, Debbie Henecke Smith. Arrangements were handled by Schluter Balik Funeral Home, Decorah.

He was born June 3, 1943, and raised in Winneshiek County (Spillville) and lived in Decorah most of his life with his wife, Diane. Mick attended Decorah High School (Class of 1962), In the late 1960’s, along with his brothers Darrell, Jim, and Louie, owned Frey’s Welding Shop in Waukon. In the early 1970’s, Mick started his trucking career of 40 years driving for the businesses of Kenneth Groth Trucking in Decorah, Beatrice Cheese in Fredricksburg, and for Walmart in Mount Pleasant. As a truck driver his handle was “Moody Blues.” Mick’s hobbies and talents were many: He was an avid golfer, and over the years belonged to Silvercrest and Oneota Golf and Country Clubs; he enjoyed fishing, playing cards, traveling to casinos, taking his Yorkies to the Whippy Dip for treats and listening to Cheryl Knight (KCZQ) play Jim Busta and Molly B polka music on Saturday mornings. Mick was a beloved husband to his childhood sweetheart and wife of 47 years, Diane, and a father of two adorable Yorkies, Zipper and Elle Mae, who will forever miss him. Mick had touched a lot of people in his life and had many friends who treasured him. He was known for his big heart, bright mind; and, having a great sense of humor, he would be the life of the party, providing many laughs for his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Diane (Barth) Frey; brother, Darrell (Mavis) Frey; sister, Shirley (Frey) Ramsey (Tom); sisters-in-law, Donna Barth and Donna Frey; brothers-in-law, Denis (LuAnn Looney) Barth and Dean (Tracy) Barth; many nieces and nephews: Patrick Gerleman, Christopher Gerleman, Lisa (Randy) Gerleman- Marlow, Paul Langelier, Pamela Krumrei, Chad Barth, Christina (Barth) Sauer, Jacinda (Cody) Barth, Jania Barth, Alan Frey, Kristi McCabe, Jerry (Heather) Frey, Billy (Jennifer) Frey, Cindy (Shaun) Hoyme, Michelle (Eric) Kline, Debbie Henecke Smith (Rodney); many great-nieces and nephews: Ashleigh Gerleman, Preston Gerleman (Pat), Austin Gerleman, Kelsey Gerleman, Ryan Gerleman (Chris), Logan Etie (Lisa), Nathan Frey, Macy Frey, Reece Frey (Alan), Ashley Hovey, Troy Hovey, Lexi McCabe, Harley McCabe, Michael McCabe (Kristi), Mckenzie Frey, Teesha Frey, Delaynee Frey (Jerry), James Hoyme, Noah Hoyme (Cindy), Oliva Kline, Ava Kline, Ella Kline, Lexi Kline (Michelle), Larissa Henecke, Gabrielle Henecke, Bradley Henecke (Debbie).

Mick was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Madeline Frey; his two brothers, James (Jim) and Loren (Louie) Frey; niece, Brenda Ramsey; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Orlando and Alma Barth; brother-in-law, Darrell Barth, who died at age three; and niece, Laura Gerleman, twin sister to Lisa Gerleman-Marlow.