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David Frailey
1943 - 2025
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David Frailey Obituary
Apr 7, 1943 - Sep 8, 2025
David L. Frailey, age 82, of Valparaiso, IN, passed away on Monday, September 8, 2025. Dave was born on April 7, 1943, in Valparaiso, to Vernon and Elizabeth (Griest) Frailey. Dave graduated from Valparaiso High School in 1961. He enlisted in the Air Force where he served as a mechanic for four years. On August 19, 1972, he married Clara J. Stone. He spent most of his working years at Midwest Steel, where he worked as a crane operator until he retired in 2003. He was a member of Cornerstone Community Church in Kouts. Dave loved nothing more than spending time with family and friends, ideally over a good meal. He never met a stranger, and could talk for hours to just about anyone, especially if the subject involved motorcycles, airplanes, cars, or whatever Consumer Reports had to say about the best you-name-it on the market.
Dave endured nearly nine years of treatment for two aggressive cancers. He rarely complained, and was always thankful for the scientific advancements that extended his life and the amazing medical providers who cared for him. He was making jokes right up until the end, and always thankful to have an opportunity to live another day. He passed peacefully at home, surrounded by family.
Dave is survived by his wife, Clara, along with their daughter, Jennifer L. (Rich) Ortiz of Valparaiso, grandsons Nathan and Caleb Ortiz, brothers Tom (Robyn) Frailey of Valparaiso, Phil (Elaine) Frailey of Valparaiso, Al (Joy) Frailey of Milford, sisters Carol McColly of Valparaiso and Janet Raffauf of Indianapolis, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers-in-law, John Rauffauf and Barney McColly.
Visitation will be at 11 a.m. on September 10, 2025, at Moeller Funeral Home, Valparaiso with a service to follow at 1 p.m. Following the service Dave will be laid to rest at Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Dave's honor to the University of Chicago's Comprehensive Cancer Center.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
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Sponsored by The Times.
2 Entries
Thomas Byerly
Yesterday
I was Drew's roommate at Indiana Central College. Sang in deputation team with AL.
Tom Hampson
Yesterday
My condolences to the family. Dave was a great person and friend. God bless.
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