Wendell Wallace Frerichs, 89, retired Luther Seminary professor, died June 23.
Wendell was born in Iowa to Wallace and Alma Frerichs. He graduated from Worthington, Minn., High School in 1943, St. Olaf College in 1948, Luther Seminary in 1951 and the University of Basel, Switzerland, in 1966 with his doctorate. During these years he served in the U.S. Navy and at two parishes (Cleveland, Ohio, and Stevens Point, Wis.).
He married his college classmate Jeanne Opsahl in 1948. He served 40 years as a much-loved professor of Old Testament at Luther Seminary. The family is thankful for the love and support of many friends, especially Jeanne, who read scripture and prayed with him hundreds of times, and for Health Partners’ hospice, especially Dr. Maag, Mark, Fidel and Kristi.
After 66 1/2 years of marriage, he will be dearly missed by his wife and their five children: Wendy Bachman, Rachel (Jim) Larson of St. Anthony Park, Heidi Frerichs, Grant (Julie) Frerichs and Daniel (Monika) Frerichs. He is also survived by six grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by one brother-in-law. He is survived by his sisters, Beatrice Thompson, Phyllis (Jerry) Scribner and Janet (Larry) Hughes and brother, Donald (Dianne) Frerichs.
A memorial service was held at St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church July 16. Ashes were placed in the Memorial Garden at Luther Seminary.
