Obituary of LeRoy Francis Frericks

LeRoy Francis Frericks, 83, of Dyersville, Iowa peacefully passed away on Wednesday, August 12, 2015 at Oak Crest Manor, Dyersville, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, August 16, 2015, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville where a parish vigil service will be held at 2:00 p.m., the Fire Department will gather at 6:00 p.m. and American Legion/VFW service will be at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue Monday, August 17 from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. prior to funeral services. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 17, 2015, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Dennis Quint will officiate. Military honors will be accorded by the American Legion Post #137 and VFW Post #7736. Roy was born April 16, 1932 in Dyersville, Iowa the youngest child of Edward and Margaret (Weber) Frericks. He graduated from St. Francis Xavier High School in 1950 and enlisted in the Navy. Roy served during the Korean conflict from 1950-1953. He married Vernita Gerken on October 17, 1953. She preceded him in death on March 24,1954 after a four month illness of cancer. After his return from the service, Roy and his brother Vern, owned and operated the Swing Inn in Dyersville and started a milk hauling business. In the 60’s, the brothers owned and operated V & R Tavern in Dyersville. In the early '70’s, Roy changed careers and became a salesman for Farm Bureau Insurance. He then got involved with MidAmerica Dairyman Inc. as a fieldman. In the ’80’s, this led him to establishing Frericks Transport hauling bulk milk and later powdered cement for Bard Concrete. On December 28, 1957 Roy married Ruth Mary Gibbs in Earlville, Iowa. Roy and Ruth spent their active years in Dyersville area. They enjoyed spending time with family and friends, playing cards, golfing, boating, fishing and traveling. In their senior years, they wintered at the "Tip of Texas" in McAllen, Texas. One year, Roy even won the title of “Olympian of the Golden Age Olympics” competing in softball, basketball, bowling and golf. Roy was always ready for a challenging hot card game of “Moon” with the guys and loved to socialize. He could hold a conversation with anyone. Roy was a lifetime member of St. Francis Xavier Parish, a 60 year member of the American Legion Post 137 and a member of the VFW Post 736. He was also a 50 year member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1734 and a member of the Dyersville Fire Dept., Dyersville Commercial Club, Dyersville Golf and Country Club, and Dyersville Sportsmens Club. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Ruth, in-laws: Rosemary Frericks and Velma Frericks both of Dyersville, nieces, nephews and many special friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, parents in-law: Cy and Emma Gibbs, his first wife, Vernita, siblings: Helen (Jim) Bell, Rosemary (Howard) Konzen, LaVerne Frericks, and Elmer Frericks. Roy’s family wishes to express gratitude to the Oak Crest Manor staff and Hospice of Dubuque for their excellent care. Memorials may be directed to Oakcrest Manor, St. Francis Xavier Parish and American Legion Post 137.