March 6, 1933 - August 18, 2023

John David Frey, a devoted servant of Christ and a cherished member of his community, passed away on the 18th of August, 2023, in Overland Park, Kansas. He was born on the 6th of March, 1933, in Seymour, Indiana, to Oswald C. Frey and Hilda M. (nee Steinwedel) Frey. John's life was a testament to his faith, his zest for adventure, and his commitment to uplifting others.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Oswald and Hilda Frey, his sisters Dorothy Winchell, Shirley Drews, and Patricia Gillenwater, his former wife Barbara (nee Bartling) Frey, his son Mark D. Frey, and step-son Bruce Tulloch.

He is survived by his wife, Judith A. (nee Wise) Frey, his daughter Jennifer K. Frey and husband Timothy C. Frey, his son Benjamin J. Frey and wife Cynthia J. (nee Zitta) Frey, his granddaughters Stephanie L. Harrison and husband Jim Harrison, and Victoria M. Frey and fiancé Paul Matulka. He also leaves behind great-grandchildren Liesl V. Harrison, Riley J. Harrison, Mason J. Matulka, and Jack T. Matulka. John is also survived by step-son John Tulloch and wife Megan Tulloch, step-daughter Cara Price, and step-grandchildren Bailey Tulloch and Jack Tulloch.

John's journey of service began at St. John’s College in Winfield, Kansas, in 1950, where he completed his 12th-grade and freshman and sophomore years of college. He continued his education at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, earning his BA degree in 1955. He embarked on vicarages in St. Paul, Minnesota (1955), and Springfield and Branson, Missouri (1956-1957). In 1958, he married Barbara C. Bartling and graduated from Concordia Seminary with a Master's of Divinity, followed by his ordination. He accepted pastoral calls at Trinity Lutheran Church in Clinton and Creighton, Missouri.

In 1961 he accepted a call to St. Mark Lutheran Church in Brunswick, Ohio, and in 1967 to Zion Lutheran Church in Prairie Village, Kansas.  In 1994 he married Judith Anne Wise.  He retired from full-time ministry in 1998, but in 1999 became part time assistant pastor at Faith Lutheran Church in Prairie Village and in 2002 became part time assistant pastor at Atonement Lutheran Church in Overland Park, Kansas. He retired from Atonement in 2012.  After retirement he continued to work with his wife Judy to minister on a personal basis to people in need, especially through Bessie’s House.

His passion for connecting with people from various backgrounds and his genuine interest in their stories were hallmarks of his character. He was multi-talented, something of a “Renaissance Man”—painting landscapes in watercolor, writing music, and having authored three books ranging from religion to challenging Einstein’s ideas and researching meso-American culture.

John was an adventurer at heart. Despite physical challenges caused by childhood polio, he enjoyed fishing and camping, exploring creeks and old bridges, jumping off cliffs into pools of water, crawling into caves, and traveling to new places. His infectious laugh and sense of humor were known to all who were fortunate enough to share his company.  He delighted in playing practical jokes and loved having a good time.

A memorial service honoring John's life will be held on August 26, 2023, at 10:00 am at Atonement Lutheran Church, located at 9948 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66212. The family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Bessie's Mission (care of Atonement Lutheran Church) or the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.

John's legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the communities he nurtured, and the laughter he shared. His spirit of faith, adventure, and compassion will be cherished by all who were fortunate to know him. May he rest in eternal peace, leaving behind a legacy of love and laughter.