Vernetta Evelyn Frey

January 26, 1942 – May 2, 2026

Born in Detroit, Michigan Vernetta was the oldest of four children. Her father was trying to join the service so he could help fight in World War II but was rejected due to flat feet. He took his wife to Michigan where he heard they were accepting soldiers for the Army. Still rejected, the family moved back to South Dakota when Vernetta was just a baby.

She grew up on a farm in South Dakota and then the family moved to Minot, North Dakota in an 800 square foot house with parents, 4 children and 2 grandparents. It originally had an outhouse! She graduated from Minot High School in 1960, and she met her future husband at a Bowling alley that same year. She married Richard Frey on July 29th, 1962. Together they built a beautiful life, welcoming their son Richard in 1964 and their daughter Lori in 1966. They began their family in RAF Bentwaters, UK and then moved around the United States for two decades courtesy of the United States Air Force.

In 1980, Rich retired from the Air Force and they settled into their first owned home in Aurora CO. They bought their dream home, also in Aurora in 1995 where they spent the next 30 years. Vernetta went to Arapahoe community college and received her degree in accounting. She worked at the Finance Center at Lowry Air Force Base until she retired in 2008.

They enjoyed traveling and went on several cruises with their favorite location being Alaska. They also visited Hawaii, all 50 states and their favorite and most frequent adventure was Las Vegas.

Her greatest joy was her four Grandchildren Kelcie, Tanner, Cole, and Carson and her Great Granddaughter, Delanie (2 years) along with her beloved Pomeranian, Piper.

Vernetta liked to be known as a “Stubborn Norwegian” who was completely dedicated to her family.

Vernetta was reunited with her husband of 62 years Richard, her parents Vernon and Loretta, her sister Ruth, and brother John.

Forever loved, never forgotten.