John K. Frey

John is survived by his wife of 53 years Christine, his identical twin brother Rick Frey (Jani), his daughters Shelley Dini (Benny) and Julie Haas (David), and granddaughters Mackenzie and Ava Haas, whom he adored, his brother-in-law James Olson (Pam), and sister-in law Roslyn Silver. He was an uncle to Douglas Frey (Amy), Gregory Frey (Martina), John Frey (Jenny), Adric Olson (Jessica), and Sky Olson (Rachel). As well as grand-uncle to Theo and Andrew Frey, Helena Frey, James, John and Ricky Frey and Bennett Olson.

John was born April 19, 1945 in Los Angeles, CA to Donald and Ruth Frey and raised in Santa Clara, CA where he was active in the church and scouting. Having graduated from the University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA in 1967 with a BS in Biology, he went on to get his secondary teaching credential in 1968 followed by a Masters Degree in Biology from UOP in 1976. His Masters research project lead to the publishing of a textbook with W. Michael Kaill, Environments in Profile, an Aquatic Perspective.

There is no question that John was born to teach and never wanted to miss a day in the classroom. He taught high school biology for 35 years, first at Franklin High School and then at Lincoln High School, both in Stockton, CA. His team-taught biology, based upon a laboratory core curriculum, which he used throughout his teaching career, was recognized by the State of California as exemplary. John was honored by Lincoln Unified School District in 1993 with the Award of Excellence for service to Students and Colleagues. Many students may remember John’s beloved black lab Mac who attended Lincoln High, and was known for taking the attendance sheets to the administration office.

Through his own battle with cancer in 1976, he had a passion for helping others faced with this disease including students who had cancer or were grieving for loved ones affected. He had an “open door” policy whether in his office at school or at home. He was always available for tutoring, going to lunch, sending cards, visiting a student, friend or colleague at home or in the hospital. He was a volunteer at St. Joseph’s Medical Center visiting patients on the cancer units and also helping to organize the many events that the Cancer Center provides.

He loved people and made friends wherever he went. Everyone enjoyed his wit, sarcasm, and sense of humor. John loved his “girls” and was an amazing husband, dad and papa. He will be greatly missed, always loved and never forgotten.

A private Graveside Service will be held at Cherokee Memorial Cemetery in Lodi, CA on January 29th. As requested by John, a party in his honor will be planned when it is safe to be together.

In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of John may be made to either: Frey Family Cancer Support Fund c/o St. Joseph’s Foundation, 1800 N. California, Stockton CA, 95204 (www.STJosephsCares.org/Donate) or Hospice of San Joaquin, 3888 Pacific Avenue, Stockton CA, 95204 (www.hospicesj.org/contribute).