John L. Frelke passed away peacefully at home on Monday, December 7, 2009, with his wife and children at his side after a long battle with emphysema.  John was born April 28, 1932, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to John A. and Antoinette Frelke.

After graduating from high school, he joined the Air Force and served four years most of that time with the 320th Air Refueling Squadron at March AFB.  While stationed there he and Frances raised their five sons.  He is a founding member of St. Christopher Catholic Church where he served many years lending his lovely voice in the church choir.  He helped in many capacities including building the original church in 1957-58, and later raising funds for various projects.

John was employed by Rohr Industries for 30 years and retired in 1995, as Mechanical Engineer.  During lean years of the Aircraft Industry he also worked at Hunter Engineering in Riverside and Rama Corp. in San Jacinto.  When his sons became involved in scouting, John volunteered as Cub Master of Pack 194 for several years.  He was awarded the Honorary Life Membership of the California PTA in recognition of his service to children and youth by the Midland School PTA.  He is also a member of the American Legion.

John is survived by his loving wife, Frances, his sons and their wives; Larry & Josie, Lemon Grove,California; Rick & Linda, Ramona, California; Steve & Carla of Blanchard, Oklahoma; John & Sherry, Tyler, Texas; and David & Lisa, Blue River, Oregon.  Surviving him is one brother and sister, Don & Pearl of Pennsylvania, along with several nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Vera and baby grand-daughter.

John loved spending time with his family, watching first his children and then his grandchildren growing up and gathering at their home where he and Frances have lived for 45 years.  He and his wife also enjoyed traveling making several trips to Germany & Hawaii; traveling extensively throughout the states, Mexico and Canada.  The ultimate trip was the Alaskan cruise presented to them by their family in celebration of their 50th Wedding Anniversary.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Miller-Jones Moreno Valley Mortuary, 23618 Sunnymead Blvd., Moreno Valley, 92553, where a visitation will be held Thursday, December 10, 2009, 5-9p, with Rosary at 7pm.  A mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 10915 Pigeon Pass Rd., Moreno Valley, 92557, Friday, December 11, 2009 at 1pm.  Interment will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Lung Association.

Local Riverside/San Bernardino obituaries and
death notices are generally provided by funeral homes and may be
edited for length by InstantRiverside.com. Basic obituaries
are published as a public service.

Filed under Obituaries

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Not working? Click here!