Melvin D. Frericks

MELVIN D. FRERICKS

Cedar Rapids

Melvin D. Frericks, 77, of Cedar Rapids, died peacefully following a long illness Friday, Aug. 3, 2018, at his home surrounded by his family. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Marion.

Melvin was born July 15, 1941, in La Porte City, Iowa, the son of Henry and Mary (Benda) Frericks. He attended La Porte City High School. Melvin married Mary Jo Milbert in 1968 in Dyersville, Iowa. He was an electrician for 40 years in Cedar Rapids. Melvin was blessed with the gift of being a handyman and always helped his family, friends and neighbors. He enjoyed fishing and the Iowa Hawkeyes. Melvin took great pride in his home, which was reflected by the upkeep he gave it. He had an old-fashioned work ethic, which made him the go-to man when work needed to be done. Melvin was an avid Pepsi lover (smiley face emoji).

He is survived by his wife, Mary Jo; children, Kara Smith, Drew Frericks and Blake (Deanna) Frericks; grandchildren, Michaela, Kyle, Noah, Riece, Madison and Alex; siblings, Irv (Barbara) Frericks, Don (Sandi) Frericks and Marv (Dorothy) Frericks; sister-in-law, CJ Frericks; brother-in-law, Francis Becker; and many nieces and nephews.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Mary (Pat) Teachout and Carol Becker; brother, Glen Frericks; and a sister who passed away at birth.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929.

Please share a memory of Melvin at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.