Garth Elwood Frehner

1935 - 2023

Garth Elwood Frehner

September 7, 1935 ~

October 9, 2023

New Harmony, UT - Garth Elwood Frehner returned to be with his Savior Jesus Christ on the morning of October 9, 2023. He was 88 years old. Garth was a giant among men with the ability to put most at ease. He was an example and mentor to many in the business world and life. Generous with his time, talents, and home-- he showed charity and love to those that knew him and many more. His humor, wit, and teasing until the end. He always had the knack to make others smile and laugh.

Garth was born on September 7, 1935 on the family farm in Logandale, Nevada. He was born to Harry Samuel and Mary (Syphus) Frehner. The youngest of 9 children in the family, he was equally babied and bossed around by his 4 older sisters and 4 older brothers. He grew up in Logandale and graduated from High School there. After High School he attended Southern Utah University.

In 1957 he married Arlene Huntsman. From that union came his four children: Mary Lynn, Jeffrey Garth, Tonya June, and Jan Laree. He and Arlene divorced in 1972.

Garth drove truck for David Foods in the late 1950's early 1960's, buying his own truck in the early 1960's. In 1963 he joined his brothers Wesley and Vernon in Frehner Trucking. In March of 1970 they began Frehner Construction Company, Inc. Garth found his true calling in the construction company. Wes retired in the early 1970's after suffering a stroke and Vern died suddenly in June of 1984, leaving Garth as the sole owner of both companies. The construction company took off to new heights in 1985 rising to unimaginable dreams by the time he retired in 2004. He stayed on for a couple of years during the transition for consulting purposes.

In 1996 Garth married Jerri Johnson. They had many adventures during their marriage, and she was by his side when he passed away. They moved permanently to New Harmony, Utah in 2005 where he spent many happy years ranching, traveling and being a part of the small community.

Garth was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many callings during that time.

Garth is survived by his wife Jerri, daughters, Mary Lynn Wise, Tonya Frehner, Jan Pruet, and daughter-in-law Julia Frehner. His stepchildren Dayne Robins, Dianne (Dave) Wunderli, Doug (Cheryl) Robins, Dale (Julienne) Robins, Debra (Craig) Foley, Christopher (Natalie) Jones, Jennifer (Ben) Hurst. His 11 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, 27 step grandchildren, and 27 step great-grandchildren. He will also be missed by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Harry and Mary Frehner, his brothers Wesley, Edward, Vernon, and

Floyd (Huck), his sisters Norma, Anna, Lois, and Ida. His son Jeffrey. Son-in-laws, Dennis Wise, Ross Miller, and Lloyd Pruet. And one step grandson, Mitchell Jones. Garth will be missed by many that knew and loved him.

A Viewing will be held on Friday, October 20, 2023 at Southern Utah Mortuary located at 190 North 300 West, Cedar City, Utah from 6:00-8:00 pm. A second Viewing will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at the Cedar City Stake Center located at 155 East 400 South, Cedar City, Utah from 9:00-10:30 am, with the Funeral beginning after at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at the New Harmony, Utah Cemetery under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary.

A livestream of Garth's service and online condolences may be left at www.mortuary.org