David Milton Fricke passed suddenly the evening of October 28, 2016 at the age of 55. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 2, 2016 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation in Jordan. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, November 3, 2016 at 11:00 AM with visitation one hour prior at Lydia Zion United Methodist Church. Reverend Larry Kasten will preside, and Ken Janak, Rick Meyers, Dan Goetsch and Glen Grenier will act as urn bearers. A memorial service will also be held in Nebraska at a later date.
On January 19, 1961, Milton and Joann (Goldsmith) Fricke celebrated the birth of their son, David Milton Fricke. Dave was the baby of the family and a wonderful little brother to Kathryn. David grew up on the family farm in Nebraska where he developed a strong work ethic and a fierce determination that served him well through his life. As a boy, Dave was dedicated to several extra-curricular activities, including 4H, band, and FFA. In high school, he became the state’s vice president for FFA.
After graduating from high school, Dave attended the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. He quickly became a proud Cornhusker and played the trombone in the marching band. Dave earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Engineering and later obtained his Master’s Degree. His many talents and ideas brought him to the automotive engineering industry, which proved to be a passion throughout his life.
While David was still in college, he married the love of his life, Vicki. Dave and Vicki met while playing in the church Christmas band and began dating the winter of 1978. They quickly fell in love, and about five years later, they exchanged wedding vows on August 6, 1983. The wedding took place at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Papillion, Nebraska, which was founded by Dave’s great-great grandparents’ family.
Soon after their wedding, Dave and Vicki moved to Michigan for Dave’s work. After 14 years in Howell, Michigan, Dave’s career brought them to Minnesota, and they settled in the Jordan / Prior Lake area to raise their family. They were blessed with two wonderful children, Thomas and Audrey. The Frickes loved traveling together. They went camping, visited Disney World multiple times, took road trips through Canada, and house boated in the Boundary Waters. They also took memorable trips overseas and even went skiing in the Alps.
Dave also frequently travelled internationally for business. He was a very intelligent man and a wonderful employee, revered by all of his co-workers. His last position was with MTS Systems as a project engineer. He developed many important patents to enhance safety and performance testing for automobiles. Dave was so proud of the work he completed. Dave also had a personal interest in cars and loved restoring them. Dave leaves behind an extensive personal fleet of cars, including the first car he ever owned: a 1974 Monte Carlo.
Dave loved being outdoors amongst the nature. He took several adventure trips that included hiking, snowmobiling, scuba diving, and sailing. Dave also enjoyed relaxing on the couch with dark chocolate and an IPA or nice glass of wine to watch the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Star Trek, Saturday Night Live, Jimmy Fallon, and many other movies and shows. He especially loved The Lord of the Rings. Dave instilled a love for this book and movie series by reading the entire series to his kids, including changing his voice to fit the various characters.
Dave never cut corners and imparted that value in his kids. He worked diligently and always achieved his goals. Dave was a very generous and loving man. He never left town without making sure that everything was in good working order around the house. He provided a wonderful life for his family in every way. Dave had a witty, sarcastic sense of humor and a contagious laugh. He was the life of Halloween parties and other gatherings with family and friends.
He will be deeply missed and remembered always by his wife, Vicki Fricke; children, Thomas Fricke and Audrey (Mark) Boettcher; parents, Milton and Joann Fricke; sister, Kathryn (Allan) Black; other loving relatives and many dear friends.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation proudly serves the Fricke family. (952) 492-2818 www.BallardSunderFuneral.com
