Albert H. Frei was born July 9, 1915, to Philomena (Uhlorn) and Clemens Frei on their ranch near Ferdinand. The middle child of 15 siblings, Al passed away Friday, Nov. 29, 2013, at Life Care Center of Lewiston.
He attended grade school at Ferdinand and transferred to St. Martin's College for his first year of high school. He returned and finished his high school years at Ferdinand. He graduated from the University of Idaho in business management. Summer jobs during college consisted of surveying most of Idaho County. Upon graduation, he worked in the state of Idaho auditor's office. One of his prouder moments during college was the privilege of serving Eleanor Roosevelt on one of her visits to Idaho. While in college, he met his future wife, Kathryn Schaefer, who was a nurse at Cottonwood Hospital. They later finalized their dating after a dance at Westlake. In April 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. With his fluent speaking of the German language, the Army utilized his service in Army Intelligence. He served in G-2. While in Europe, Al reported to Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force under the direct supervision of Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower. He was part of the fact-finding mission prior to the D-Day invasion. He also served in the Second Front Invasion. Later, he received a Purple Heart for a recon mission in Saint Lo, France, while working with the French Underground. He discharged as a first lieutenant 213 SRI. On June 22, 1946, he married Kathryn L. Schaefer in Minot, N.D. Upon his return, he became the office manager for Clearwater Power Co. After 16 years he felt the desire to own his own business and sell life insurance for Standard Life Insurance. He was part-owner of Jack's Place in Lewiston. After the selling of Jack's Place he became employed and retired from Potlatch Corp. in 1978.
He and Kathryn enjoyed their retirement years traveling. They were able to visit all the continental states, Alaska and most provinces of Canada. They later became "snow birds," settling in Apache Junction, Ariz.
He was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church; a third-degree knight in the Knights of Columbus; also was a former member of the Valley Chambers of Commerce, Lions Club, Moose, Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion; as well as an active member of Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks No. 896 and the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
He was preceded in death by his wife and parents; brothers Lawrence, Johnny, Alphonse; sisters Elsie, Mary, Philomena and Clemy.
He is survived by his three sons, Doug and Donna of Walla Walla, Lauren and Joann of Lewiston and Brian and Joyce of Clarkston; 10 grandchildren 22 great-grandchildren; and brothers Vince, Hubert, Raymond, Willie and sister Aggie.
Funeral services will be Friday at St. James Catholic Parish, with a rosary at 9:30 a.m. followed by Mass at 10 a.m. The graveside service will be at Normal Hill Cemetery, with dinner to follow at St. James Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Program.
