Robert Frericks

Robert H. "Bob" Frericks, age 56 of Melrose died Thursday, March 31, 2005 at his home in Melrose from ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, April 4 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose with Rev. Ken Thielman officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery with military honors by the Melrose Veterans Honor Guard.

Friends may call from 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday and from 8 to 11 a.m. Monday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose. Sts. Bernard & Elizabeth Council and Melrose Veterans Honor Guard will pray at 7 p.m. followed by parish prayers at 8 p.m.

Robert Frericks was born April 23, 1948 in Melrose, Minnesota to Elmer and Marcella (Hellermann) Frericks. Bob served in the US Army from 1968 to 1970. He was united in marriage to Lois Wiechmann on October 23, 1971 in Sauk Centre. Bob was a partner of Frericks Construction. He enjoyed playing cards, bowling, remodeling and, most of all, spending time at his hobby farm. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose, Chamber of Commerce, Central MN Builders Association, Sts. Bernard & Elizabeth Council and American Legion Post 101. He was a former member of the Melrose Jaycees where he was honored as a MN Statesman and JCI Senator.

Survivors include his wife, Lois Frericks of Melrose; children, Rochelle Gregory and her husband, Martin of Willmar, Ross Frericks and his wife, Brenda of St. Cloud and Amber Fraasch and her husband, Wayde of Milbank, SD; grandchildren, Ashton and Madelyn Gregory and Brooke and Elijah Fraasch; parents, Elmer and Marcella Frericks of Melrose; brothers and sisters, Vern Frericks and his wife, Doreen of Melrose, Jim Frericks and his wife, Carol of Melrose, Ron Frericks and his wife, Doris of Grey Eagle, Judy Becker and her husband, Baylen of Albany, Jan Dierkhising and her husband, Alvin of Long Prairie, Marlene Blommel and her husband, Gene of Freeport and Donna Sand and her husband, Les of Freeport.

Bob was preceded in death by his infant brother, Thomas Frericks.

Serving as casket bearers will be Steve, Glen, Brian, Russell, Pat and Mike Frericks. Cross bearer will be Brian Ellingboe. Gift bearers will be Sara Frericks and Stephanie Schneider. Lea Dierkhising will be the reader.