Gene, was, born at home on the farm about seven miles southeast of Mason City, Iowa on Dec 4th, 1927. He was the oldest of two children born to Hilbert Carl Frenz and Nellie Mae (Rheingans) Frenz. He graduated from Aredale High School, Aredale, IA in 1945. In December of that year he turned 18 and on the 13th of December he was sworn into the Navy. He was initially assigned to the heavy cruiser USS St Paul as a radar repairman. In 1946 he attended electronics school in Aiea, HI. Of 86 servicemen enrolled, Gene was one of 11 that graduated. He was discharged in 1947 and returned home to attend Mason City Junior College. A little over a year later he rejoined the Navy and again served on heavy cruisers (i.e., USS Newport News and USS Albany). He was discharged in January 1953 and began a 31-year career with AT&T.
On Saturday the 1st of August 1953 he married Amelia Mary (Molly) Quinones at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mason City, IA. Together they would go on to raise four children and enjoy 65 years of marriage together.
Gene’s job took the family from Mason City in 1964 to Overland Park, KS. In 1966 they again moved to Concord, CA. In 1958 Gene joined the naval reserves and retired in 1982 after 24 years of service. In 1984 he retired from AT&T after 31 years on the job. With all their children out of the house, Gene and Molly moved to Burney, CA, stayed for a few years before finally settling in Redding, CA.
Gene was a skilled electrician and woodworker and he loved helping neighbors when they needed small repairs around the house. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and cutting firewood in the mountains near Burney, CA. When his sons were old enough, they joined the Boy Scouts. Gene became active as well and attended several campouts, whenever time allowed. He was also an avid cook; a chore Molly was more than happy to let him take over. He was a faithful member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Lake Oswego, OR, where his son Kim is Pastor. He will be deeply missed but we take comfort in knowing that he is at peace and once again joined with his wife and heavenly family.
He was preceded in death by his wife (Molly), father (Hilbert), mother (Mae), sister (Carol), and numerous brothers-and sisters-in-law.
Gene is survived by his four children; William (Cathy) Frenz (Front Royal, VA); Teri (Richard) Tate (Dublin, CA), Kim Frenz (Lake Oswego, OR), and Michael Frenz (Modesto, CA); his sisters-in-law Mary (Wayne) Schmitt, Mason City, IA, and Mary (Patrick) Quinones (Soledad, CA); seven grandchildren, Jason Frenz (Winchester, VA), Kimberly Frenz (Ranson, W. VA), Jamie (Brendon) McCrary (Lincoln, CA), Joe Frenz (Orangevale, CA), Brandon Frenz (Seattle, WA), Lexie Frenz (Portland, OR) and Jerimiah Frenz (Portland, OR); four great grandchildren, Jenna Frenz (Waldorf, MD), Alexander Frenz (Front Royal, VA), Tyler McCrary (Lincoln, CA) and Parker McCrary (Lincoln, CA); and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
No flowers please. Memorials preferred to a memorial of your choice. In celebration of his life a small family service is planned in Redding, CA. for later this summer. Date to be determined.
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