By Melanie Tuttle
Posted: Updated:
8 Comments
    • Service

      “Celebration of Life" held at the Highland Pistol and Rifle Club, 13312 Bellm Rd, Highland, IL on Saturday June 29th from 1-5pm.

    • Full Obituary

      Daniel “Dan” M. Frey, 75, of Highland, IL, passed away Monday, June 10, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese, IL.

      He was born July 7, 1948, in Highland, IL, to Elmer E. “Butts” and Pearl A. (nee Mettler) Frey. Dan was born and raised in Highland, attended St. Paul School, and graduated with the Class of 1966. After high school, Dan completed 2 years at St. Gregory’s College in Shawnee, OK. On July 27, 1968, he married Pat Hammel of Trenton, IL. Though this relationship was not permanent, they did have 2 children, Brant, and Missy, and remained friends afterwards. Dan owned and operated his own trucking companies, Highland Motor Service and E F Truck Service.  He continued his driving career over the road for several years before returning to Highland driving locally for Frey Dedicated Trucking, and ultimately retiring from Sutton Transport in 2021. Dan enjoyed playing the organ, fast-pitch softball and driving his 1963 Red Chevy SuperSport.  He obtained his pilot's license and looked forward to flying his Piper Archer airplane.  Many fun trips were taken snowmobiling in Wisconsin and boating at Lake of the Ozarks and Kentucky Lake.  However, his true love was trapshooting.  You could usually find him at the Highland Pistol and Rifle Club's Thursday night trap league or traveling to weekend competitions.  Dan helped run the IL State Shoot for 3 years in Springfield, IL before building a trap & skeet shooting range, Land O’ Sports, in Smithboro, IL.  Dan loved his family and friends and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

      He is preceded in death by his parents Elmer E. “Butts” and Pearl A. Frey.

      Dan is survived by his children, Brant (Aimee) Frey of Pocahontas, IL, Melissa J. “Missy” (Billy) Zobrist of Highland, IL; grandchildren, Jessica J. (Tyler) Klostermann of Highland, IL, Jordan J. Frey of Pocahontas, IL, Allison Pearl Zobrist (Isaac Satterwhite) of Alpharetta, GA, Brant Drew Frey of Pocahontas, IL; great-grandchildren, Brayden J. Klostermann of Highland, IL, Macy J. Klostermann of Highland, IL; former-wife, Pat (Don) Wright of Springfield, IL.

      Memorials may be made to St Paul Education Foundation.

      A private memorial service will be held at St Paul Church in Highland, IL

      Interment will be at St Joseph Cemetery in Highland, IL

      The family will gather and extend an invitation to anyone who knew Dan to join for a “Celebration of Life" held at the Highland Pistol and Rifle Club, 13312 Bellm Rd, Highland, IL on Saturday June 29th from 1-5pm.

      Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL.

    Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

    8 Condolences
     
    1. Janelle Clarke / June 15, 2024 at 5:10 pm

      Brant and Missy, I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. He was kind and always made me feel welcome. I hope that all of the wonderful memories you had with him help ease your pain and know that he loved you both and your families.

    2. June Yann / June 15, 2024 at 6:31 pm

      My sympathy to the Family and Loved Ones. ❤️🙏❤️

    3. Arlene (Mettler) Zobrist / June 16, 2024 at 12:59 am

      I will always remember Dan as my nephew, with many fond memories of when I babysat with him. My Mom was his grandma, and her diaries mention that Dan and his cousin Jim Klaus often stayed with her when they were little. I bet they kept her busy! Now they are all reunited. We miss you and love you, Dan!

      from your Aunt Arlene
      Arlene (Mettler) Zobrist

    4. Bob & Beckie Schrumpf / June 17, 2024 at 12:35 pm

      Sympathy & prayers to his family 🙏

    5. Nancy (Klaus) Steinkamp / June 18, 2024 at 10:56 am

      Brant and Missy- I’m sorry to hear of your dads passing. He and my brother, Jim were very close. I was not aware of his passing until a school friend brought it to my attention. I’ll always cherish our family get togethers that Aunt Pearl had for many, many years. Good memories to cling to…cousins together at last once again…,🙏🙏

    6. Jennie Mettler Tirgler / June 19, 2024 at 2:31 pm

      Blessings to the remaining family of Danny Fry.. while I have not been in touch with Danny for many years I certainly remember his happy disposition – and his love for his mother – my sister Pearl., a true bonding. May God be with all of you at this time.
      Jennie Mettler Torgler

    7. Amy Garnreiter / July 17, 2024 at 9:57 pm

      I am so sorry for your loss. I have so many fond memories of Dan from the Highland Pistol Range and the fun family Holiday get togethers. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

    8. Cindy Halle / July 20, 2024 at 8:01 am

      So very sorry to hear that Danny passed. I have many memories of Dan, but what I keep coming back to is his smile. It was infectious and he always seemed cheery. I also recall his love of trapshooting and the family get togethers at Pearl & Butz’s home. Fond memories that we shared. RIP Dan

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