Richard Frase

Richard Lee Frase was born on January 4, 1939, in Holdrege, Nebraska, to Don and Ruth (Baetz) Frase, and died peacefully on February 17, 2008, at the age of 69 years, 1 month, and 13 days.

Richard and his family moved to a farm south of Franklin, where he was baptized in the Ash Grove United Brethren Church. As a young boy, Richard attended rural grade school and graduated from Franklin High School in 1956. Upon graduation, he served his country in the United States Navy from May 21, 1956 to December 2, 1959. Richard returned to Franklin and married Mary Hansen. To this union three sons were born: Rich, Jeff, and James. They moved to Denver. He worked many years in the construction business in northeastern Colorado and he also continued his line of work by working in lumberyards, and doing construction.

In 1979, Richard moved to Wyoming and married Linda (Christoffersen) Schneider. This union added her children: Kelly and Greg Schneider. He was a self employed contractor until 1988, when he went to work for a Caterpillar dealership.

Richard retired in 2004, and he and Linda moved to Franklin, Nebraska, and ran the motel, the Plunk and Bunk.

He was preceded in death by his father, Don. Richard is survived by his wife, Linda of the home; mother, Ruth Frase of Franklin, Nebraska; one daughter, Kelly and husband, P. J. Helgoth of Parker, Colorado; four sons: Rich and wife Donna Marye, Jeff Marye, and James Marye, all of Denver, Colorado, and Greg and wife, Lana Schneider of Spokane, Washington; ten grandchildren; a sister, Elaine and husband Shorty Meyer of Franklin, Nebraska, and a host of friends and other relatives.

Richard was proud of his service in the United States Navy. He enjoyed doing volunteer work at the V. A. in Grand Island, Nebraska. His favorite hobby was fishing and fishing, and was always doing construction projects on the side. He was a hard worker, and has completed about every project he ever started. His family had to live in the country, so Richard enjoyed raising cattle, pigs and other exotic animals.

Richard was thinking of others even in death, he donated his body to the Anatomical Board of State of Nebraska, for the study and education of others in the field of medicine.

A memorial celebration of Richard L. Frase's life was held Thursday, February 21, 2008, at the Franklin Missionary Church, Franklin, Nebraska, with Pastor Bryan Balasa officiating. The organist was Deb James, and a congregational hymn was sang, "The Old Rugged Cross". The family suggests memorials to the V.A. After Care Group, Grand Island, Nebraska. Inurnment will be at a later date.