Elmer Frericks

Elmer G. Frericks, age 89 of Melrose, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, June 9, 2013 at the CentraCare Nursing Home in Melrose, Minnesota.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 12 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose with Rev. Ken Thielman officiating and Rev. Marvin Enneking concelebrating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery.

Friends may call from 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose. Sts. Bernard & Elizabeth Society will pray at 5 p.m. followed by parish prayers at 7 p.m. Tuesday evening at the funeral home.

Elmer Gerhard Frericks was born September 1, 1923 in Freeport, Minnesota to Herman and Walburga (Beste) Frericks. On June 30, 1947 he married Marcella Hellermann at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Melrose. The couple farmed north of Melrose until moving to town in 1975. Elmer worked for the Melrose Locker Plant for eight years and also was employed by Mayers, Inc. for 18 years. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose, Sts. Bernard & Elizabeth Society, and was on the Township Board for 30 years. Elmer enjoyed fishing, playing cards, and watching the Minnesota Twins. He loved visiting with his family and cherished his visits with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include his children, Vern (Doreen) Frericks of Melrose, Jim (Carol) Frericks of Melrose, Ron (Doris) Frericks of Grey Eagle, Judy (Baylen) Becker of Albany, Jan (Alvin) Dierkhising of Long Prairie, Marlene (Gene) Blommel of Freeport, and Donna (Lester) Sand of Freeport; daughter-in-law, Lois Frericks of Melrose; 28 grandchildren and 43 great-grandchildren; brother and sisters, Esther Hinnenkamp of Sauk Centre, Alma Schulte of Freeport, Ervin Frericks of Minneapolis, and Louise (Don) Haskamp of Blaine; and many loving relatives and friends.

Elmer was preceded in death by his wife, Marcella Frericks on January 21, 2012; infant son, Thomas Frericks; son, Robert Frericks; grandsons, Robert and Matthew Becker; brothers, Ambrose Frericks, Ray Frericks, Roman Frericks, Jerome Frericks; and sisters, Marie Zwilling and Florence Austing.

Serving as casket bearers will be Lois Frericks, Ross Frericks, Vern Frericks, Doreen Frericks, Jim Frericks, Carol Frericks, Ron Frericks, Doris Frericks. Cross bearer will be Darin Blommel and scripture bearer will be Loren Frericks.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.