Richard Frueh

1939 - 2024

Richard Frueh
Born: March 15, 1939
Died: January 28, 2024
Hail the Traveler – Richard Frueh. The guy that everyone wanted to know or to be.
The compassionate musician, fierce defender of the weak, unparalleled father, step father, grandfather and great grandfather, and the sweetest, most beloved man passed on January 28, 2024. He shed his mortal coil after nearly 85 years. He was born on March 15, 1939, in Chicago, to Paul and Theresa (Eschbach) Frueh.
Rich is survived by his wife Deborah, his children Richard (Debbie) and Lisa (Jesse) Stoery, his grandchildren, Drayson Helberg, Thomas and Amber (Davy) Knowles, great-granddaughters, Emmy, Josie, and Lily Knowles, and three generations of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Thomas (Sophie) and brother Paul (Dorothy) Frueh.
He was proud to have been patriarch to Michelle, Mark, Kelly, and the late Martin, and many grandchildren through his marriage to Deb.
Rich was the guy on the antique Farmall Tractor cutting the grass in Lost Nation. He spent years working at the Petunia Festival, was known for his pig roasts where his children have fond memories dancing around the bonfire after a long day of being fed and watered, and hosted the most outstanding wedding for his granddaughter and her intended on his property in Lost Nation.
Rich enjoyed his job at LOTS, and worked there many years, collecting friends and stories along the way. He was a member of management at Dixon Web (now Dixon Direct), another job he excelled at, and also spent time as manager at Master Graphics in Rochelle, IL. He took pride in his craftsmanship in woodwork and tending to his home.
But most of all, Rich just loved.
He loved his life, he loved his family and held them close. He loved Deb and she loved him back just as deeply. He loved living in Dixon and would tell his city friends that there is "so much noise out here" he could sometimes
hear his cat meow. He loved making those around him laugh with his wild wit, and did so until the very end.
The world will never be the same without his unique presence. He was the sun in his freely given warmth, he was the moon in his quiet ways. He will be forever missed.
Please join us at his Celebration of Life at the Lake Court Clubhouse in Lost Nation on Sunday, April 14, 2024 from 1:30 –5:00 pm.