David John Frein, age 76, of Austin, passed away on Sunday, April 28, 2024 at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester.

David J. Frein

Dave was born in Austin, Minnesota to John R. Frein and Florentina K. “Flossy” (Allas) on January 2, 1948. He was baptized on January 11, 1948 at Queen of Angels Church. The family moved to Adams, Minnesota where he graduated from Adams High School.

He served from 1967-1969 in Vietnam as a member of the United States Army’s 1st Infantry Division (The Big Red One). His brother Chuck also served in Vietnam. One special day on a road by Di An, Vietnam, and they crossed paths. They’ve always shared a unique bond.

Dave married Gail Wipplinger on June 23, 1973. They had three children together-Dan, Lisa, and Mark.

After the service, he worked for Phil Hegge in Rose Creek. He then attended Austin Community College, completing the auto mechanics program while working at Sears & Overby Auto. Upon graduation, he worked for Crown Auto in Albert Lea, Minnesota for 26 years and from there went on to Penske Auto in Austin until it closed and then retired from Bob’s Auto.

Being the oldest of 11 children, he was dependable, hardworking, patient and kind. He loved his brothers and sisters. Dave enjoyed Johnny Cash music, watching the Minnesota Twins and Vikings and spending time with family. Dave enjoyed going out for breakfast and loved his treats, especially white cake and his sister’s chocolate chip cookies.

He was patient and caring with his children, especially the youngest, Mark, who has Down syndrome.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Flossy Frein; sister-in-law, Maureen Frein; parents-in-law, Leo and Audrey Wipplinger; brother-in-law, Gary Wipplinger; and niece, Catey Krebsbach.

Survivors include his wife Gail Frein; son, Dan (Faith) Frein, and granddaughter Harper Frein; son, Mark Frein; daughter, Lisa Frein, and grandchildren Kayla and Tanner Frein-Turner; siblings, Helen (Greg) Coffman, Chuck (Marianne) Frein, Steve (Marietta) Frein, Gary (Julie) Frein, Ed (Tina) Frein, Pat (Larry) Wobschall, Kathy Meyer (Sam Schilling), Mary (Mike) Kepp, Sharon (Tom) Wobschall, Judy (Tim) Monson; many nieces and nephews; goddaughter, Becky Frein.

Remember Dave by finding joy in things that make you happy, no matter how great or small. Spend some time with family and go ahead and have that piece of cake.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 am on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at St. Edward Catholic Church with Father Thien Nguyen officiating. Visitation will be held from 5-7 pm on Friday at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary and also one hour before the mass at the church on Saturday. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post #91 and Olaf B. Damm Post #1216.

Arrangements by Clasen-Jordan Mortuary