Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

FUNERAL HOME

Legacy Funeral Home-Heritage Chapel at Angelus

440 E. Klatt Road

Anchorage, Alaska

Leo Frelin Obituary

Anchorage resident Leo Thomas Frelin, 86, died Sept. 6, 2009, in his home due to complications after cancer surgery the previous week. The service will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel, 440 E. Klatt Road, Suite B. Leo will be buried with military honors next to his late wife of 54 years, Marguerite, at Angelus Cemetery at 440 E. Klatt Road, after the service. Leo was born June 5, 1923, in Shawville, Pa., to Guy and Bertha Frelin. He was their sixth child out of eight, with six brothers and one sister. He graduated from St. Francis High School in 1941 and joined the Navy as an aircraft machinist 1st Class. In 1946, he was honorably discharged with many decorations and recognitions for his service during World War II. He continued on to the Aviation University of Chicago and graduated in 1949 with a Bachelor of Science degree in aeronautical engineering. During this time he also married his wife, Marguerite, and they then moved to Alaska where they homesteaded in Happy Valley and commuted by personal plane to Anchorage while he worked as a mechanic for Reeve Aleutian Airways. He then became a civil engineer with the Army Corps of Engineers and worked on many projects across the state until his retirement. During this time, he also opened the A&W Root Beer Restaurant in South Anchorage in 1971 and enjoyed great success until he closed it and retired in 1991. In retirement, he was an avid fisherman, hunter and private pilot, spending a great deal of time at his cabin with family and friends. He also spent a great deal of time working on his aircraft hobbies, playing with his great-grand-kids and keeping everyone laughing and smiling. Leo is survived by his brother, Lawrence (Rich); his daughter, Michel and her husband, Fred; his grandson, Josef and his wife Joy, along with their two sons, Jayden and Javin. He will be cherished and always remembered by his family, friends and all those that knew him. He was a wonderful husband, best friend, a father, a grandfather, and a great-grandfather. Dad instilled his gentle spirit, values and kind heart in all of his friends and family. No memorial fund is established and in lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be directed to the Alzheimer's Foundation or Diabetes Foundation of Alaska.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Anchorage Daily News from Sep. 10 to Sep. 11, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Leo Frelin

17 Entries

February 17, 2010

Leo was a kind, generous, wonderful man. He was a friend to the Herschel Elkins family and a friend to me.

Russell Elkins, Bloomington, Indiana

Orvis Fletcher

September 19, 2009

I'm writing on behalf of my dad, 90 year old Orvis "Biff" Fletcher of Clearfield, PA. Leo will be sadly missed by dad as he has great memories of childhood in Goshen and the times that he visited Leo at his home in Alaska. He has given dad many many memories and has enabled him to travel to a wonderful land that he now loves. Leo always greeted dad with open arms and made his stays there ones that he cherishes. He was a kind and happy man from what dad tells me and even up until dad heard of his death, he, in his hopeful mind, wanted to go back "one more time" to spend time with Leo. Our hearts and sympathy goes out to you and your family. Dad says, "Thanks for the memories." Kathy for Orvis Fletcher

Julie (Miller) Rooney

September 15, 2009

I worked for Mr. Frelin at A&W in 1987. He always had the biggest smile and greeted every customer as though they were his personal friend and many of them were! Heaven has gained another star. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Jane Frelin

September 15, 2009

Uncle Leo was very special in our lives. When they came to Clearfield to visit they always stayed with us and you saw the aparkle in his eye when he talked of his family. He always showed my mom and dad such a good time when they went to Alaska that was some of their specials times.
Rest assured the banks were full of Family and friends waiting his arrival.His big smile will be missed by all that knew him. Just wanted you to know that we are thinking of you
Jane Frelin, daughter of Ray and Adeline Frelin

Joe Engel

September 15, 2009

I met Uncle Leo on my first ever trip to Alaska. I got to spend July 23rd thru 27th 2009 with him at the cabin where we fished and enjoyed his life long stories. What a gem of a man! His kindness is one of a kind. I will always remember him.
P.S. In case there was any question he does Snore!

September 11, 2009

Leo was a kind hearted man with a sparkle in his eye. What a wonderful gift to his family he must have been. Even though we did not know him very long or very well, we will treasure the stories he told us and his warm smile.
Jared and Tanya McKay

Larry and Cheryl Cooke

September 11, 2009

Joe and Family,

We know how much your Granddad meant to you and are very sorry to hear of his passing. We never met him, but from your comments, we know he was a really great guy. Just wanted you to know you will be in our thoughts and prayers.

September 11, 2009

Michel and Family:
Your Mom and Dad each made such positive impact on the lives of those of us who had the opportunity to meet them. I have great respect for each of them. Each was an example of integrity, caring and giving, and I am a better person because of the living testimony their lives will continue to be.
May wonderful and happy memories comfort and sustain you and your family day by day.
Judi Flippin Cloninger

September 10, 2009

I am a nephew of Leo, oldest son of his sister (Edith). My thoughts and prayers are with all his family. My Mother has told me tales of his adventurous life. Wish I could have been able to spend more time around him. May GOD BLESS AND Be with the Frelin family. Bill Mclaughlin and family, Ellenton, Fl.

September 10, 2009

Dear Michel. Although I'm not sure that we ever met I feel that I know you well after all the discussions with your Mom and Dad over the years. Until my retirement in 2002 I was the one helping them with their income tax matters.

I'm sorry to read of your Dad's passing and I know that he will be missed by his family and many friends. Please accept my sincerist sympathy for your loss.

Jay Burnett
Prescott, AZ

sandy sonju(Habermann)

September 10, 2009

I worked for Mr. Frelin at A&W for a few years in the 1980's and he was such a great man and full of energy and worked very hard and always so positive,his customers were truly loyal to him and he was to them. He will be truly missed by all.

Sue Davis

September 10, 2009

I have only known Leo since 2001 and he quickly became a dear friend. He helped me oversee the care of my aunt and uncle who lived in Anchorage. It was difficult for me living in Ohio. His friendship and kindness to my family will never be forgotten. I will miss him dearly.

Roni Lea

September 10, 2009

I met Frelin while working at a clinic at Providence he seemed very wonderful and my deepest condolences to his family.

September 10, 2009

Dear Joe, Joy, Jayden and Javin,

It sounds like you had a wonderful grandfather who left you with many wonderful memories! Hope to see you again very soon.
God be with you.

Marcella and Jerry Siebel (Wesley Chapel, Fl)

Patti Maguire

September 10, 2009

I worked with Leo as a secretary at the Alaskan Air Command in the Engineering Division in l967 and later. He was my favorite engineer to work with -- what a great guy he was -- always smiling! Very special... My condolences to his family.

September 10, 2009

Miche, Fred, Joe, Joy ,Jayden and Javin, Uncle Leo was a treasure to all who knew him and loved him. You are blessed with his legacy. we celebrate his life and are deeply saddened by his passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Saline,Jim Bischof and family

Sharon Frelin-Dapp

September 10, 2009

Uncle Leo was one of a kind. A very very special man. He will be missed by so many.

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results