Dennis Dean Frerichs

Dennis “Denny” Dean Frerichs, 75, of Bartonville, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family at 2:44 AM on Sunday, August 28, 2022. He was born on December 4, 1946 in Peoria, IL to Harold and Helen (Cramer) Frerichs of Peoria, IL. He attended Monroe Grade School and graduated from Limestone Community High School in 1964.

After High School, Denny worked 32 years at International Paper Co. as a pressman until they closed, then worked a few months at Versa Press, Inc until joining Peoria Public Schools District 150 as a custodian retiring after 17 years at Calvin Coolidge Middle School as Head Custodian in 2013. During his tenure at Calvin Coolidge, He was a January 2005 recipient of the Employee Service to Education Award, mentoring as many as 10 students at a time while also helping staff outside of his regular duties.

Denny married Sherry Drowns on August 4, 1979 at St. John Lutheran Church in Peoria, IL, where he was a lifelong member serving on the Church Council and Cemetery Board. In his spare time, Denny enjoyed trail riding, bowling, softball, fishing, volunteering at St. John Lutheran Cemetery and 10 years volunteering in the Peoria County Sherriff’s Posse. Denny had an infectious sense of humor with a focus to always look on the bright side of things. His one-of-a-kind laugh, compassion to others, determination to succeed, easy going, larger than life personality and cheerful smile will be dearly missed.

Denny is survived by his wife, Sherry; his brother, Darold (Carrie) Frerichs of Morton, IL; his son, Darin (Kimberly) Frerichs of Milwaukee, WI; his nephew, Lucas (Sarah) Frerichs of St. Charles, MO; his niece, Tracy Frerichs of Morton, IL; his granddaughters, Nora and Charlotte Frerichs of Milwaukee, WI; his aunt Eleanor (Ed) Nau of Glasford, IL and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Helen Frerichs: his son, Scott Frerichs and many grandparents.

A service celebrating Denny’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 10, 2022 at St. John Lutheran Church, 6614 W. Smithville Rd, Peoria, IL 61607 with inurnment and lunch to follow. The Rev. Michael Jones will officiate. The Davison-Fulton Bartonville Chapel will be handling arrangements.

Memorials may be made to The St. John Lutheran Church General Fund or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. You may view Denny’s obituary and create an online condolence at www.davison-fulton-bartonvillechapel.com