Harold R. Frerichs, 94, of Peoria, Illinois passed away peacefully at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 28, 2018 at Unity Point/Methodist Hospital in Peoria. He was born in Bartonville, Illinois on October 14, 1923 to Franz and Ada (Peters) Frerichs, where he spent a majority of his life working on the family farm. He also worked at Barrett’s Paper Mill until being called to service on March 19, 1943.
Harold served in the European Theater of World War II in the 20th Armored Division; 220th Armored Engineer Battalion; HQ Company of the U.S. Army where he earned several medals. He was discharged on February 13, 1946 with the rank of Staff Sergeant.
Harold married Helen Cramer on April 27, 1946 at St. John Lutheran Church in Bartonville, IL, where he was a lifelong member. He served on the Church Council, Cemetery Board, Sunday School Board and also sang in the choir. He was a member of the Leisure Group and Bartonville American Legion Post 979. He also served many years on the Monroe School Board. Harold worked 35 years for the Central Illinois Light Company before retiring in 1982 as a Field Supervisor.
In his spare time, Harold enjoyed bowling, playing baseball and helping Ray and Earlene Hanlon at the Hub Ballroom in Edelstein, IL. He enjoyed many family fishing trips to Laporte, Minnesota and vacationing in Hawaii, as well as over 25 trips to Mesa, Arizona to watch the 2016 World Series Champions Chicago Cubs spring training with his wife and friends. With a huge heart and strong open arms, Harold was always willing to help his family, friends, neighbors and country in any way he could. His one of a kind laugh and cheerful smile will be dearly missed.
Harold is survived by his wife, Helen; two sons, Denny (Sherry) Frerichs of Bartonville, IL and Darold (Carrie) Frerichs of Morton, IL; three grandchildren, Darin (Kim) Frerichs of Milwaukee, WI, Lucas Frerichs of St. Charles, MO and Tracy Frerichs of Washington, IL; four great grandchildren, Nora and Charlotte in Milwaukee and Olivia and David in Washington; one sister, Eleanor (Ed) Nau of Glasford, IL; several nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by one grandson, Scott Frerichs.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 3, 2018 at the St. John Lutheran Church in Bartonville, IL. Rev. Michael Jones will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial with Military Funeral Honors will be held at the St. John Lutheran Cemetery following the service. The Davison Fulton Bartonville Chapel is handling arrangements. Memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Church. You may create an online condolence at www.davison-fultonbartonvillechapel.com.
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