David J. Fricke

Dave Fricke, 91, passed away following a lengthy illness. He was born in Kansas City, Kansas, and spent his early childhood in Prairie Home, Missouri. He moved to Kansas City, Missouri and attended East High School where he excelled in football, sang in the choir, served as Treasurer on the Student Council, and was voted Most Likely to Succeed.

Following HS graduation in 1951, Dave enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served for four years. He was onboard the USS Redfish (SS 395) as an electrician for multiple overseas deployments during the Korean War. Dave would proudly reveal his harrowing account of the USS Redfish’s secret mission to sail to Russia beneath the polar ice cap as the first submarine in U.S. history to accomplish this goal.

After serving in the U.S. Military, Dave returned to Kansas City to begin his career at Business Men’s Assurance (BMA) where he would meet his future wife. He retired as Vice President of the Dairy Sales Division after thirty-eight years and returned to work part time as a consultant post-retirement.

A Gladstone resident since 1959, Dave held numerous volunteer and elected positions in the City government including reserve police officer, City Councilman, member of the City Planning Commission for ten years (Chairman for six years), and member of the Industrial Development Authority. He helped form the grass roots Gladstone Good Citizen’s Group and would later receive a key to the City by Mayoral proclamation in 1999.

Being a devoted member of Saint Charles Borromeo Parish was a big part of Dave’s life since joining in 1959, when Jan and Dave were married. He served in various capacities, including Chairman of the Renovation Committee, leader of Eucharistic Ministers and long-time usher. Dave and Jan treasured their fellowship in the BFG.

Dave loved the “Swing Era” of Big Band jazz which was truly his music. He loved the outdoors and was a lifelong hunter. He spent many hours on the tennis courts teaching his kids to play and winning doubles tournaments with his beloved brother, Dwight.

Dave had the drive and engaging personality to often be called upon to serve in leadership positions in his work, worship, and society. Those who associated with “Big Dave” were drawn to his warmth, quick wit, and charm. He was a proud, patriotic American who put others first and could always be counted on as a faithful friend. He relished the camaraderie of his weekly breakfast club, neighborhood men’s club, and the Rusty Zipper club.

He will be greatly missed by family, friends, and the community.

Dave is survived by his wife of 65 years, Janice (Blasco), daughter Ann Kingsbury (Devin), son Scott (Dawn), son Chris (Sherry); grandchildren Susan Albertson (Eric), Tom, Mark and Cori Fricke, Leah Lewis (Landon), and Luke Kingsbury; great grandchildren Camryn Stokes, Elliott and Smith Albertson, and Joseph, AJ, and Gideon Lewis. He was preceded in death by his brother Charles Dwight Fricke who is survived by wife Carol and son Douglas (Liz).

Services will be held on Monday, July 15 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Parish, 900 NE Shady Lane Dr, Kansas City, MO 64118, family will receive visitors at 10 am and Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 am, following the Mass a luncheon will be hosted downstairs at the church.