Wilbur L. Frericks

Wilbur Frericks, age 86 of Laurel, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines. Prior to Wilbur’s hospital admission he lived life to the fullest.

Wilbur Lawrence Frericks was born on June 8, 1939, in Greene, the eldest child of Grace Frericks. He graduated from Greene High School in 1957. Immediately following high school, he began working as a Road line painter for the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT). He retired from the IDOT in 2001 as a respected Sergeant in law enforcement. Wilbur was hardworking, made work “fun” and continued many of his work relationships as friendships after his retirement. He proudly served his country in the United States Army from May of 1962 to May of 1964.

Wilbur was united in marriage with Patricia (Pat) Reese September 4, 1960. They were blessed with two children, Julie and Jeff. The couple later divorced and remained lifelong friends until Pat’s passing in April 2025.

Wilbur was later united in marriage with Suzanne (Sue) Utley on August 17, 1979, and built many memories until her passing in 2016. Wilbur welcomed Sue’s daughter, Tracy, into their home.

Wilbur and Sue made many memories in Osceola Iowa and eventually moved to Laurel Iowa to be close to Julie and Jeff. Wilbur and Sue opened a Sue’s Halfway Café which Sue ran and Wilbur joined as her cook when he retired in 2001. The café was full of good times, many laughs, practical jokes, and was a place for friends and family to gather. Time away from the café included pontoon boat rides/camping at Rock Creek with family. They also shared numerous trips to Branson, Missouri, camping destinations, NASCAR races, and various other road trips they enjoyed with their dog Buster.

After Sue’s passing, Wilbur enjoyed spending time with family, friends, and his dog Cosmo (after Buster passed and three weeks prior to Sue’s passing Cosmo found his home with Wilbur). Cosmo was his “little buddy” and each birthday year a celebration with pictures, hat and cake took place. Wilbur enjoyed joining his friends for breakfast at OJ’s, an occasional casino visit, making cookies, trying new recipes for dinner, and sporting his Kansas Chief clothing (hat, watch, sweatshirt).

Wilbur’s siblings get togethers were always special times which brought together their children and loved ones for a competitive game of SCAT/31. During the past years, many more special memories were made including a family vacation for a month to visit brother Jerry and wife Misty. Jeff and Sue, Arch and Julie were blessed to get to spend that month together with him. Jeff, Sue, and Wilbur took a camping trip to visit sister Linda and family, and the siblings get togethers with sister Bobbi and husband Skip and so many extended family members in Marshalltown were priceless.

Wilbur, most of the time (smile), enjoyed being Jeff’s sidekick on so many projects (building a three-car garage, remodeling a kitchen, working on countless motors and vehicles, taking many road trips to buy a motorcycle, truck, motor) Sue was also the sidekick but her special times with Wilbur was when they went for “deals” at garage sales.

Wilbur always enjoyed getting together at Julie and Arch’s house. During the fall, applesauce was made, During the summer- Wilbur was in charge of making the potato salad (best ever!) and at Christmas time his annual Christmas poem was creative, funny and will always be treasured. He always made time for his kids and they were his priority as he was theirs.

Wilbur will always be remembered for his memorable phrases, deep love he always provided to his children, his beautiful eyes and smile, his humor and being a good man.

Left to cherish his memory are his children: Julie (Arch) Allison of Marshalltown, Jeff (Sue) Frericks of Marshalltown, and Tracy (Pat) Schulte of Janesville, WI; grandchildren: Shelby (Jerry) Hawxby and Logan Brown, all of Osceola; and great-grandchildren: Vivian, Davyn, and Neveah. He is also survived by his siblings: Bobbi (Skip) Thompson of Wyoming, Linda (Clay) Pratt of South Dakota, and Jerry (Misty) Johnson of Arizona. In death he rejoins his wife, Sue; mom, Grace and her husband, Johnny Johnson; his brother, Dick Johnson, his Aunt Rena, and his lifelong friend Pat.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at Mitchell Family Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 9:30 A.M. until time of service. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery in Laurel. The family would also like to invite everyone to the Laurel Community Church for food and fellowship following the burial. Memorial donations may be directed to the family which will be designated to his favorite charities.

Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted to care for Wilbur and his family. To leave online condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.