John-Frese-Obituary

Photo courtesy of Schrader Funeral Home and Crematory - Ballwin

John Vincent Frese

Mar 17, 1956 - Jan 1, 2026

Guest Book

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Johnny was a pal going back decades. I knew him as my sister’s friend in high school and maybe the kindest and sweetest-natured guy ever. Decades later, I knew him again, this time as my new partner’s friend from the record store business and fantasy football. At our wedding, Johnny kept shaking his head and repeating the word “UnbeLIEVable!” It still makes me smile to think of because I never would have taken my new fellow seriously if he hadn’t been friends with such a decent soul, so John...

I haven't seen Johnny in a long time, but we worked together at both Blue Sky and Big River Distribution for years. He was such a sweet person who was always smiling and willing to lend a hand. He will be missed.

I will miss John tremendously, I miss his smile and laugh .

I transferred to BHS in ‘72 and quickly became friends with John sharing a love of music. I remember trips to Streetside Records and driving around after school in the green Firebird listening to Mott the Hoople on the 8-track. Time has separated me from my highschool friends but it makes me smile to know John enjoyed his passions of sports and vinyl throughout his life. He was a great guy and a good friend. Condolences to the family.

I met John 45 years ago thru the music business. He was in my wedding and one of my best friends. I will miss the "Big Dog"

Thank you for the music. Got it ?

Very sad to hear about John's passing.... He was a good friend and a great guy, and it was always fun to run into him in the years I was involved in the record biz. I attended Cardinal games over many seasons with John... and for years we competed against each other in fantasy baseball and football leagues. He'll be greatly missed!

John was one of the nicest people I have ever met. I have not seen him in some time nor talked to him but he will always be missed by me and the many customers and dealers at the St. Louis Record Show. Rest in Peace.

Obituary

John's Obituary

John Vincent Frese, of St. Louis, MO, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, January 1, 2026 at the age of 69.

John was born March 17, 1956 to Paul M. and Bonnie Frese. He grew up in Brentwood Missouri and attended Brentwood High School.

John always enjoyed playing sports in his youth including football and baseball. He received a baseball scholarship to Lindenwood College where he got his associate's degree.

John shared a lifelong love of sports with his father and brothers. He especially enjoyed the St. Louis Cardinals. He always looked forward to going to spring training in Florida with his family or with his friends. He was a 20 plus season ticket holder to the Cardinals.

He spent many years collecting and trading sports memorabilia. At one point his home was filled with sports cards, bobble heads, vintage sports games, photos, magazines and books.

John's greatest passion was music. He started collecting vinyl records right after college and continued for most of his life. He worked at multiple record stores in the St. Louis area. He was a known record collector and helped organize and operate many record shows.

John was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Bonnie Frese (Walkenhorst), his brothers Paul and wife Linda, William and wife Susan, Richard and nephew Matthew Frese. He is survived by his brother Michael (Nita) and nephews Tim (Angela), Billy, Brandon and Michael Frese, Jeremy and Kyle Lugger and nieces Shelly (Kevin) Jansen, Natalie Kerry and Amy (James) Canning and many great-nephews and nieces.

Services:  A memorial service will be held at Rockwood Bible Church, 2425 Glencoe Road, Glencoe, MO 63038 on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Immediately after the service a celebration of life luncheon will be held at the church.

As a service of the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.

 

 

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