Gary W. Frei Obituary

Gary William James Frei, aged 81, went to be with his Savior, Jesus Christ, on February 5, 2025. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Gary was known for his generous spirit, always ready to lend a helping hand or offer support to anyone in need.

Gary was born on November 30, 1943 in Caro, Michigan. He was the eldest of seven children born to William and Vernetta (Hinton) Frei. His mother died when he was 15 years old, and he and some of his brothers were sent to Boysville, a Catholic boarding school, in Monroe, Michigan, where he graduated as Valedictorian of his class. He did farmwork during the summers and following high school, he attended Michigan State University.

After college Gary worked construction and suffered a foot injury which led him to Hills & Dales General Hospital in Cass City where he met a nurse named Marjorie Wiederhold who would eventually become his bride. Gary and Marjorie had six children: Christopher Robin, Alicia Kay, Enrika Louise, Searle Ulric, Lothar Brant, and Emerson Charles Leander. Gary was a wonderful father and always ready to offer guidance, support, and encouragement to his kids and grandkids.

Gary was employed by the state highway department from the summer of 1966 until the summer of 1969. He then went to work as a dispatcher at Northern Concrete Pipe, Inc. on June 6, 1969. Not long into his career at Northern Concrete, he became a special products detailer and production scheduler. Over his more than 50 years as a member of the Northern Concrete team, Gary wore many hats and handled various aspects of running the business. Gary loved working at Northern Concrete and the people there were like family to him. Over the years, the Washabaugh family supported Gary and his family in many ways. They showed immense care during tough times and even personally delivered food and medicine to Gary and Marjorie when they were both sick with COVID. Gary was treated more like a member of the Washabaugh family than an employee.

As he got older, Gary went to the office less often, but he was still a Northern Concrete employee at the time of his death. His sons Searle and Emerson worked summers during their college years at Northern Concrete and his grandchildren, Rylee McGahan and Jaegar McGahan, currently work at Northern Concrete where they will find it difficult to fill his shoes.

In his free time, Gary enjoyed hunting, especially moose hunting. For a time, he leased land in Canada and traveled there to hunt moose when given the opportunity. He took a trip to British Columbia in September 2002 and bagged a bull moose. For several years, he went bear hunting with his sons, grandsons, and brother in the Upper Peninsula. Gary also enjoyed being a farmer and raising various animals over the years, especially his Tennessee Walking horse, Black Lightning. Gary was a people person, and he thoroughly enjoyed visiting his many uncles, aunts, and cousins in Pigeon, Owendale, and Sebewaing. During his illness, Gary loved interacting with his Vollmer cousins, Jimmy, Dr. John, Becky, and Beverly. He deeply appreciated the phone calls he received when he was sick, even when he was unable to carry on much of a conversation.

Gary could often be seen tinkering outside and starting various projects, but not always finishing them. He bailed hay every summer even his last summer when he had cancer in his hip. His kids remember spending a lot of time with their Dad tearing down fences, putting up "new" fences, and cutting and carrying wood and they often heard phrases such as "daylight in the swamp", "we're burning daylight", and "work is good for the soul".

Gary was a devoted member of the Catholic Church and up until his illness, he regularly attended Mass every Sunday. His Catholic faith was incredibly important to him, and we take comfort in knowing that he now enjoys the promise of eternal life in heaven.

Gary is survived by his wife, Marjorie, his children, Enrika (Greg) McGahan of Twin Lake, Michigan, Searle (Amanda) Frei of Fruitport, Michigan, Lothar Frei of Bay City, Michigan, Emerson (Mary) Frei of Allen, Michigan, his nine grandchildren, his brothers, Dennis (Nancy) of Eaton Rapids, Michigan, Mark of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Douglas of Oscoda, Michigan, sister Brenda Huett (partner Rod) of Deford, Michigan, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter Alicia Kay, his son, Christopher Robin, and his brothers William David and Major Michael Joseph, USAF.

Gary's family wishes to acknowledge and express thanks to the Washabaughs who are the owners of Northern Concrete and who over the years have been, and continue to be, a blessing to Gary and his family.

A private service will be held at a later date.