Wilbert Alfred Frey

Wilbert Alfred Frey, 87, of Beatrice, passed away on Saturday, May 27, 2023 at Whispering Winds Cottage in Beatrice. He was born on November 29, 1935, in rural Jansen, to Alfred and Alvina (Rohlfing) Frey. He was a lifelong member of Peace Lutheran Church, rural Plymouth, where he was baptized December 22, 1935 and confirmed April 10, 1949. Wilbert attended Districts 62 and 17 country schools and graduated from Plymouth High School in 1953. He then did custom bailing and helped build the Farmers’ COOP Elevator. Wilbert served his country in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956. During his service, he served as a guard along the DMZ separating North & South Korea. After his discharge, Wilbert was united in marriage to Joanne Ruhnke on June 9, 1957 at the Evangelical & Reformed Church in Plymouth. The young couple then moved to the Frey family farm west of town where Wilbert enjoyed working the fields with his Allis-Chalmers tractor. Many hours were spent with Joanne and the three girls irrigating the crops with hand-moved pipes, and when the day was done, it was time for the chores. The Frey’s were presented with a 100-year Pioneer Farm Family award. Wilbert and Joanne retired from farming in March 2009 and moved to Pioneer Acres near Beatrice. His love for farming continued as he made daily trips to the farm. Wilbert enjoyed restoring farm machinery and preserving historical pieces in his working museum. Wilbert was a former member of the Jay Husker Auto Club. He served on the Plymouth Elevator Board and the Church Council. He worked as a volunteer at the Homestead National Monument where he assisted an artist in residence with a farm parts sculpture. Many good times were shared traveling with his family and friends. Wilbert will be remembered for his gentle nature, friendly smile and as a true steward of the land who faithfully cared for his livestock.Wilbert is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joanne of Beatrice; daughters, Ginger (Mark) Pittman of Pickrell, Joni Waldo and special friend, Kendal Hieronymus of Pickrell, and Jill Petersen of Fairbury; nine grandchildren, Abby (Matt) VanLaningham, Kate (Matt) Meints, Hannah (Nick) Bell, Laura Chisano, Cara (Jacob) Steele, Megan (Erin) McCarthy, Thomas Waldo, Jacob (Adry) Petersen, and Jarod (Brittney) Petersen; 18 great-grandchildren and one on the way; sister-in-law, Jane (Larry) Nider of Beatrice; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Alvina Frey; brother, Marvin (Helga) Frey; sister, Bernetta (Edgar) Huenke; parents-in-law, Arnold and Elizabeth Ruhnke; brother-in-law, Robert Ruhnke.Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, June 2, 2023 at Peace Lutheran Church of rural Plymouth with Chaplain Sharon Schuster officiating. Burial will be at the Peace Lutheran Cemetery. A family prayer service will be held at 1:45 P.M. on Friday at the church. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established to the family for future designation. The body will lie in state on Thursday from 9:00 A.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the Fox Funeral Home of Beatrice. www.foxfuneralhome.net Arrangements entrusted to Fox Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Beatrice. b

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