David Frerich

David Pierce Frerich, age 79 years & 11 months, passed away on Sunday, February 17, 2019, at 10:05 a.m. at St. David’s Medical Center in Austin, Texas.

David was born at home on the family farm on March 20, 1939, in String Prairie, Texas, to Martin and Annie Rabel Frerich.  He was Baptized as an infant at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in String Prairie; his Godparents were his Uncle Pierce “Pete” Frerich and his Aunt Agatha “Gottie” Frerich.  David later received the Sacraments of Holy Communion and Confirmation also at St. Mary.

David attended school in String Prairie through the 8th grade and then attended high school in Smithville where he graduated in 1958.  After graduation, David moved to San Antonio where he became a ceramic tile setter for Kassner Tile Company.  In 1960, he joined the Air Force Reserves until 1966.

David met Catherine Jane Muehr in 1960 and, after a 4-year courtship, David & Catherine were united in the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rockne, Texas, on June 6, 1964.  Three children were born to this union: Edward David, Brenda Lee, and Lynn David.  The young couple lived in San Antonio where David continued his craft as a ceramic tile setter to support his growing family.  In 1981, the family moved from San Antonio back to the beloved “home place” in String Prairie, where David was born and raised.  In later years, with continuing health problems, David & Catherine moved to Smithville.

David loved playing his guitar and playing dominoes.  He loved country-living, raising cattle, gardening, fishing, hunting, and woodworking.  He was a perfectionist who was very mechanically inclined and a true craftsman, having the ability to fix or build just about anything.

At age 45, David was stricken with severe Rheumatoid Arthritis which eventually disabled him in 1987.  Although he had many physical infirmities and illnesses over the past many years, David was an incredibly strong-willed person and one with great determination.  Despite the crippling, debilitating effects of the RA and the constant pain he experienced, David strove to live life to the fullest.

David was a man of great Faith, spending time in prayer each day, and attending Mass every Sunday and other days when he was able.  His strong Faith was truly an inspiration.

David received his final Sacrament, the Anointing of the Sick, twice during the                    3 1/2 weeks he spent in the hospital fighting to overcome the many complications he suffered after having a heart attack, followed by a stroke.

David absolutely cherished his time with his family, and his family, likewise, cherished every moment with him.  He was a wonderfully devoted husband, father, and grandfather who was loved very much and will be missed more than words can say.

David is predeceased by his parents, Martin Joseph Frerich (Aug. 1980) and Annie Marie Rabel Frerich (Feb. 1976); his only sibling, Arthur Lee Frerich (Sept. 2018) and sister-in-law, Tiny Frerich (July 2017); his nephew, Dayle Lee Frerich (Oct. 2017); and step-grandson, Jared Wood (Aug. 2001).

David is survived by his wife of 54 years, Catherine Muehr Frerich, of Smithville; son, Edward Frerich, his wife, Connie, of String Prairie, and Connie’s children, Chris Wood, Jason Wood, & Jennifer Lynch and their families; daughter, Brenda Frerich Karisch, her husband, Ernest W., Jr., and grandson, Ethan William Karisch, of rural Smithville; and son, Lynn Frerich, his wife, Kim, granddaughter, Ashley Nicole Frerich, and grandson, Mitchell David Frerich of Smithville.

Also surviving David are his niece, Donna Frerich Bartsch; nephews, Ronnie Frerich and wife, Laura, and Doyle Frerich; Natalie Susen Frerich; and six great nieces, Dusti, Kelsie, Kacie, Shelby, Caroline, and Rachel.

Visitation will be held at All Faiths of the Pines Funeral Home in Smithville, Texas, on Tuesday, February 19, 2019, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. with the recitation of the Rosary to begin at 7:00 p.m.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rockne, Texas, on Wednesday, February 20, 2019, at 11:00 a.m., concelebrated by Fr. Dariusz Ziebowicz and Fr. Pius Mathew.  Interment will follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in String Prairie, Texas.

Pallbearers will be grandson, Ethan Karisch; nephews, Ronnie Frerich, Damian Muehr, and Greg Muehr; and special friends, Lee Roy Ott, Jr. and Gene Hoskins.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.   May he rest in peace.  Amen.