David O. Frey

South Bend, IN David O. Frey, 89, passed away at home in South Bend at 9:00pm on Sunday, August 10, 2025. Dave was born October 3, 1935 in Battle Creek, MI to John and Nadia (Voorhees) Frey. He graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1953 and attended Michigan State University. He determined early in life that he wanted to be a veterinarian, and that is what he became. After graduating in 1959, he moved his growing family to Detroit, and then to the Chicago area before starting his own practice in South Bend. He ran a small animal practice in his Chippewa Animal Clinic for 48 years before retiring in 2008.  

Growing up loving fishing and boats, Dave enjoyed many Caribbean sail trips with friends. He acquired his dream of a sailboat in the early 80’s. He became a Master of the Great Lakes and ran chartered day sail trips to further others’ enjoyment of sailing. He always delighted in taking friends out on Lake Michigan on his beloved 38 foot “Searenity”.

Around this time, he met and married Judy, who became his partner for the next 33 years. They discovered the joy of traveling—over land and sea for the rest of their marriage. Trips with friends and family were enjoyed to the fullest. He loved playing Euchre, dancing, attending concerts, plays, listening to classical music and John Phillip Sousa.  

He was a hunter and fisher and dearly loved his black lab, Maddie, the finest hunting dog a man could have. The children, step children, and grandchildren all experienced hunting pheasant with Dave. What joy he felt when he was able to share the experience.

Tennis was the great love of his life; starting play in high school and continuing throughout his life. He won four South Bend singles titles in the “over 55’s” between 1991 -2001, the State of Indiana Senior Open title in 60’s, and a 2015 District Championship in Team Tennis. He again found joy when grandchildren became interested in learning the game from him.  

From 2008-2020, he placed no less than third in 33 different tennis events in the Senior Olympic festivals in Tucson, AZ and St George, Utah.

He is survived by his wife, Judy Frey, his three daughters: Linda (Max) Lee of Colorado, Kathy (Ron) Mendel of South Carolina, Andrea Flower of Florida, two sons: Ted (Kelley) Frey, Sydney Frey; two stepsons: Tom (Kali) Boecher of Ohio, Dan (Lori) Boecher of Indiana, one stepdaughter: Kathy (Eric) Larson of Michigan; twenty-two grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.  He is also survived by his brother Michael (Sussie) Frey, three nephews and one niece. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Bethann Jomantas, and one niece.

Dave was a man of few words, but when he spoke, he shared his enthusiasm for his interests with the vigor and purpose with which he lived his life. He will be missed.

Cremation has taken place. Services will be held at Clay United Methodist Church 52866 Ironwood Road South Bend, IN 46635, on August 30, 2025, and 11:00 am with visitation the previous hour. There will be a luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Center for Hospice Care, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545. 

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