- Date Of Birth: 0002
- Date Of Death: 2017
- State: Minnesota
Obituary of Richard Frye
Richard Harold “Dick” Frye
Age 83, of Mendota Heights
Finished his fine work here April 3rd. Dick grew up in St. Louis Park and spent summers waterskiing—sometimes barefoot—on Lake Pokegama in Grand Rapids. He graduated from the U of M with a Speech degree, was a member of ROTC and, later, became a pilot in the Air Force. He joined his father selling Valvoline Oil for Frye Supply, and, at age 50, bought Magnuson Sod. His wife, Helen, coined him The Sodfather, saying he went from Oil to Soil.
We can still see dad as he lived. Carrying the newspaper up our long driveway on a frigid Minnesota morning. Stacking the woodpile. Wiping off our headlights before we drove away. Looking adoringly at Helen. But, perhaps best, is during one of the many parties our parents threw. He was the quiet, perfectly-content man who never wanted the limelight. For dad, it was enough to just be in the room, keeping the fire fed, the drinks filled, smiling as his heart felt the love and friendship around him. We should all be so happy.
Dick is preceded in death by his wife, Helen McGovern, and is survived by children Rich (Aurora), Jane Lerbs (Jamie) and Betsy Pitschka (Tarran); and grandchildren Diego, Mauricio, Austin and Betsy.
