MEDFORD – Lifelong Medford area resident, Hilbert “Hib” Frey, aged 97, entered eternal life on Thursday, July 5th surrounded by his loving children and Hope Hospice.
Hilbert was born on January 11, 1915 in the town of Browning to John and Alma (Schoenfeldt) Frey. He attended the Frey School, and worked for about 45 years at the Medford Cooperative Creamery / Morning Glory Dairy in can-intake, butter making, field man, and lab technician. Hilbert also operated an apartment building and for many summers painted houses with Walt Lange.
On December 9th, 1939, he married Alda Marie Clausnitzer at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Medford. Alda, his spouse of 62 years, preceded him in death on January 17, 2002. With Alda, Hilbert was accomplished square dancer and worldwide traveler. He liked hard work and found time to be an avid gardener and a lifelong bowler who also enjoyed Brewer baseball, fishing, and playing Sheepshead. Hilbert was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and served on many church and school committees. Hib was a gentle man with a generous spirit and a quick smile, and will be greatly missed as he was a pillar of strength and esteemed model for his children and grandchildren.
Surviving are their six children, Marlene (Ron) Bremer of Medford, Marvin (Dorothy) of Stevens Point, Mark (Patricia) of Colby, Mike (Gloria) of Marietta, GA, Marshall (Anne) of Waunakee, Marvel (Tim) Bakri of Oshkosh, and 15 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandson.
Also surviving are two sisters, Elenora (Herb) Brandner and Viola Clausnitzer both of Medford. Other surviving brothers and sisters-in-law include Marcella Frey, Alfred “Budsy” and Donna Clausnitzer, Jane Clausnitzer, and Bob and Doris Tacke, all of Medford.
Besides his parents and wife, Hilbert was preceded in death by brothers Oscar, John and Ralph Frey, and brothers and sisters-in-law Mabel Frey, Ruth Frey, Stub “Robert” Clausnitzer, Dave Clausnitzer, Otto and Tillie Clausnitzer, Orme and Leona Murray.
Visitation will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Medford on Monday, July 9th beginning at 9 AM with the service to follow at 11 AM with Pastor Joshua Krieger officiating, with burial to follow in Evergreen Cemetery II in Medford. Pallbearers: Grandchildren: Krystle Frey, Mitchell Frey, Sue Bremer, Korey Frey, Ken Frey and Mike Peavey
The family would especially like to thank Country Gardens for their supportive and compassionate care over the past four years, and Memorial Hospital Nursing Home for care during his brief stay there.
Hemer Funeral Home in Medford is assisitng the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church.
