Eugene (Gene) Frey, age 75, of Hermantown, Minnesota passed away on Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at Solvay Hospice House in Duluth, Minnesota after a long battle with cancer and Parkinsons. Gene Frey was born in Walker, Minnesota on March 28, 1942 to Lloyd and Dorothy Frey. He was the third of four children. He grew up in Laporte and attended Laporte Elementary School through 8th grade. He graduated from Proctor High School in 1960. On May 20, 1972 he married Bonnie Carlson in Proctor. Gene started working at Minnesota Power in 1965 and retired as supervisor from the Construction and Maintenance (C&M) Department after 30 years of service. After his early retirement, Gene drove truck for area businesses. Gene was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Hermantown for 40 years. He was a member of the Proctor Moose Lodge #1302 and Trinity Masonic Lodge #282 of Duluth, Scottish Rite, and AAD Temple of the Shrine where he was a member of the directors staff and played the calliope for parades and the Shrine Circus. Gene enjoyed playing the accordion. He started playing when he was eight years old and in 1966 he started his own "old time" band where he played in a five state area. He also enjoyed traveling the country in his motorhome, taking cruises and bus trips with family and friends, helping Shawn work on the farm, doing his yard work, delivering Meals on Wheels, and spending time with his two granddaughters. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, sister Dorla Sandmeyer, two furry kids Nikki and Brandi Jo, and grand-dog Cookie. Gene is survived by his wife Bonnie, son Shawn (Jodi) Sandmeyer of Bemidji, daughter Gina (Damien) Chesney of Duluth, granddaughters Kristen Sandmeyer and Naya Chesney, brother Lloyd (Gayle) Frey of Laporte, sister Claudia (Don) Robinson of Bemidji, and several nieces and nephews. Memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 26, 2017 at Grace Lutheran Church of Hermantown at 11:00a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service under the direction of Sunrise Funeral Home of Duluth. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Essentia Hospice program and the caring staff at Solvay House for their wonderful care and support.

Visitation

OCT 26. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (CDT)

Grace Lutheran Church 5454 Miller Trunk Hwy Hermantown, MN, 55811

Memorial Service

OCT 26. 11:00 AM (CDT)

Grace Lutheran Church 5454 Miller Trunk Hwy Hermantown, MN, 55811