Erwin J. Frey
Erv Frey, 90, a long-time retiree from Midland National Life, left his earthly dwelling on November 12, 2024, at Dells Nursing and Rehab Center, Dell Rapids, SD.
Erwin James Frey was born on April 8, 1934, to Herman and Clara (Madsen) Frey in Watertown, SD. Erv, as he came to be known, was a true South Dakotan, living his entire life in the state; Watertown, Faulkton, where he graduated High School, Redfield, Pierre, Sioux Falls, and most recently Dell Rapids.
On June 13, 1954, he was united in marriage to Betty Jensen in Redfield, SD. They resided in Redfield, Pierre and Watertown before moving to Sioux Falls, SD. They had three children. He spent many years in the dairy industry before beginning his insurance career at Midland National Life. He retired from Midland after more than twenty years.
He and Betty enjoyed square dancing, camping, playing cards with good friends, and family reunions with his eleven siblings and her five brothers and sisters. Erv was an avid hunter. He especially enjoyed pheasant hunting around Redfield, and regularly brought home venison for the family. Betty preceded him in death in 1988.
Erv was joined in marriage to Colleen Rhykus on February 8, 1991. They were fortunate to spend time traveling and wintered in Arizona for many years. Erv and Colleen enjoyed 33 years traveling, golfing, playing cards, cutting a rug on the dance floor, and time with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Erv spent his last few years at Dells Nursing and Rehab and was lovingly cared for by the staff there. They became his extended family, and he loved, and was loved by them. The family was very grateful for the kind and loving personalized care he also received from Hospice and music therapy staff.
Erv was a man of unwavering faith, superior integrity and unlimited love of his family. Everyone loved Erv. He was a friendly chap, loved joking around and always put friends and family at ease. Erv was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church and enjoyed being an usher. He was an active member in Kiwanis.
Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Colleen; daughters, Sue (Lee) Kirby, Friday Harbor, WA and Deb Moeller, Watertown, SD; step-son, Dan (Sharon) Rhykus, Sioux Falls, SD; step-daughter-in-law, Carol (Bryan) DeGidio, Inver Grove Heights, MN; 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; his brothers, Larry and Chuck, and his sisters, Clarice and Arlys. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Betty; his son, Jim; his step-son, John Rhykus; his son-in-law, Steve Moeller; brothers, Don, Mel, Bill, Harlan; and sisters, Marilyn, Anita, and Kathi.
Memorials may be directed to Feeding South Dakota.
Funeral Mass will be held 10:30am Monday, November 18, 2024, at St. Michael Parish in Sioux Falls. The family will be present for visitation from 4:00pm to 6:00pm Sunday, November 17, at Miller Southside Chapel, 7400 S. Minnesota Avenue. A prayer service will begin at 5:00pm Sunday at Southside Chapel.