David J. Frey

David J. Frey, 66, of Indianapolis, passed away at his residence surrounded by his family after a long and courageous battle with cancer on November 8, 2021. As special days were important to Dave, he was sure to make it to his 41st wedding anniversary, passing nearly at the same time as when he and Marie’s reception would have begun years ago. On November 8, 1980, Dave wed Marie Ann Volk in St. Louis Catholic Church in Batesville by Dave’s uncle, Father Humbert Moster. This loving union produced Marie and Dave’s beautiful daughters, Christina and Jennifer.

The third born son, Dave came into this world on August 15, 1955 in Batesville, Indiana to the late Paul and Catherine (Moster) Frey. Dave was raised on the farm with his siblings in rural Batesville where he tended to dairy cows, drove the tractor, baled hay, and chopped wood. As a boy he participated in 4-H and Boy Scouts. Between the farm and these activities, Dave was able to develop a hardworking spirit that he carried into adulthood. Dave was a graduate of Batesville High School in the class of 1973 where he played football and enjoyed metal working.

Upon graduation, Dave moved to Indianapolis to attend Lincoln Tech. He began working at Diamond Chain in Indianapolis on October 15, 1973. Dave began as a journeyman in the machine shop but was eventually asked by the company to attend IUPUI to obtain a degree in Mechanical Engineering which he completed in 1993. Dave completed this degree while working full time and raising his family. He took pride in the fact that he worked his way up through the ranks from entry-level journeyman to Mechanical Engineer throughout his career. Dave retired from Diamond Chain on July 30, 2013 after 40 years of dedicated service to the company.

After retirement Dave assisted Marie in her wedding planning business. He created CAD drawings, helped Marie on the computer, organized and created behind the scenes, and worked with their clients. Together Marie and Dave made a very successful team. In 2015 the pair decided to retire fully and left the wedding planning business.

This decision to fully retire allowed Dave to pursue some of his favorite pastimes, such as traveling with Marie. The passion to travel was something they had enjoyed throughout their marriage and loved to visit destinations such as Jamaica, Florida, Hawaii, Bahamas, and many state parks across the nation camping in their RV with their children and grandchildren. Along with traveling, Dave enjoyed playing cards, specifically 500, maintaining his yard, driving his beloved blue Jeep and “The Big Rig” RV, going on neighborhood walks, photography, and bird watching. Having a mechanically inclined persona, Dave could fix nearly anything. Dave’s hardworking spirit and ability to care for those around him was evident in his friends and family who adored him.

Dave’s role as a father was just as paramount to him as being a grandpa to his grandchildren. He did not miss any school event or birthday party. He relished in teaching them things and going on adventures with them.

A devoted man of Catholicism, Dave prayed the rosary daily; he always had a rosary at his bedside. Dave was a member of St. Jude Catholic Church. As his daughters were growing up in the parish, he found various ways to stay active in their events like CYO sports events, class trips, and their Sacraments of Faith. St. Jude was a truly important part of Dave’s life. He was active in Small Church Group, the Arts & Environment Committee, and the St. Jude Cancer Ministry. His presence in the parish will be greatly missed.

Despite his battle with cancer, Dave remained faithful and positive, even in his final days. He was a quiet and reserved man who fought courageously in private with this illness. His phycisians and nurse, Dr. Fetters, Dr. Adra, and registered nurse, Lianna Valler, praised him for his resilience and enjoyed having him as a patient- he was a practice “favorite”. Dave never took anything for granted as he battled through. He and Marie tried to achieve as many “bucket list” items as they possibly could and live each day as though it was their last. Dave’s passionate and courageous spirit will live on as a legacy in his friends and family he leaves behind; he will be sorely missed.

Along with his parents, Dave was preceded in death by his brother, Patrick Frey.

Survivors include his bride of 41 years, Marie Ann Frey; daughters, Christina Kolb and Jennifer (Andy) Hillstrom; grandchildren, Anna and Sam Kolb, and Luke, Jake, and Brooklynn Hillstrom; siblings, Michael (Cindy) Frey, James (Elizabeth) Frey, Louis (Mary Pat) Frey, and Melanie (Mark) Garlitch; sister-in-laws, Lisa (Larry) Allen and Linda Volk; brother-in-law, David Volk; Godchildren, Ross Frey, Brandon Frey, and Katie Clift; a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Dave’s Life Celebration® Visitation will be Thursday, November 18, 2021, 3 to 7 p.m., at the O’Riley Funeral Home, 6107 S. East Street, Indianapolis with Recitation of the Rosary beginning at the conclusion of visitation at 7 p.m. Morning prayers will begin at 9:30 a.m., Friday, November 19, 2021, at the funeral home. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Friday, in St. Jude Catholic Church. Dave will be laid to rest at a later date in Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of floral tributes, memorial contributions may be made to the schools his grandchildren attend, Lumen Christi or Sts. Francis and Clare Catholic Schools, or Dave and Marie’s parish, St. Jude Catholic Church. Envelopes for these memorials will be available at the funeral home on Thursday and Friday. Please visit www.ORileyFuneralHome.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.