Charles 'CJ' Frey

Charles “CJ” J. Frey, 60, passed away on February 7, 2025, at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.

CJ was born April 25, 1964, in Jamestown, ND to Charles and Mary Ellen Frey. He attended St. John’s Academy and Jamestown High School, where he played hockey and football. CJ attended Hamline University, and later Hamline University School of Law. In 2004, CJ married the love of his life, Shari Lynn Selander, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Brainerd.

CJ practiced criminal defense law in the Brainerd Lakes area for over 20 years, during which time he opened a law office with Shari. CJ also worked as a part-time public defender for the MN Board of Public Defense from 2016 to the time of his death. CJ found fulfillment in helping others and enjoyed working with his many colleagues.

CJ had a wide variety of interests, including classic cars, fishing, football, and cooking. His family and friends were always his first priority, and he valued time at home with Shari and their cats. CJ had many friends from all stages of life, and he placed importance on staying in contact with them, no matter the distance. CJ was charismatic, genuine, straightforward, funny, and confident. Like his father, his ease with people endeared him to others.

CJ is survived by his best friend and wife, Shari, and his mother, Mary Ellen, brother, Jason, three nephews, Riley, Lawson, and Liam, sister-in-law Kathy (Jim) Stickney, three nieces, Emily, Laura, and Faith, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles L. Frey, whom he missed every day since his passing in 2011.

The funeral Mass will be held Friday, February 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis Catholic Church in Brainerd, MN, with Father Michael Garry officiating. Family and friends are invited to gather at the church one hour prior to Mass. Lunch will be served following Mass. Burial will follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred.

Shari would like to thank all of the staff at Mayo Clinic for the excellent care CJ received there.

Arrangements are entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Baxter.

Livestream: https://brainerdcatholic.org/