John Howard Fricke

After a tough battle with Alzheimer's disease, John Howard Fricke passed away on July 28, 2023, in Austin, Texas, at the age of 76. He is survived by his daughter, Mindy Walker of Austin, and her children, Blake and Grace; and his son, Kyle Fricke of Austin, with his wife, Meagan Jones, and their children Nate and Ella. He is preceded in death by his wife, Carol; his parents, Leonard and Edna Fricke; and his brother, Charles Fricke.

John ("Frag") was born on October 23, 1946, in San Antonio, Texas to Leonard and Edna Fricke and attended St. Paul Lutheran Church. As a teenager, he moved to Austin, TX to attend Concordia and later earned a degree in Psychology from the University of Texas in 1971. He had a successful career in mental health care, working with Brown Schools and others and eventually working his way up to Human Resources Director at Austin Travis County Mental Health and Mental Retardation (now known as ATC Integral Care).

While at Concordia John met his wife and soul mate, Carol. They were married on June 1, 1968, and had two children, Mindy and Kyle. John was known to be very friendly and playful, and he always strived to help people in need, especially throughout his career. He was a die-hard Yankees and Longhorn fan. He loved woodworking and made many pieces of furniture for his family and friends over the years. His children and grandchildren remember him as a kind, gentle, patient, and loving father who ceaselessly encouraged and supported them.

A visitation for John will be held Friday, August 4, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749, followed by a funeral service from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.

All are welcome to attend and celebrate John's life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer's Association.