Betty Jeanne Doese Frey

Betty Jeanne Doese Frey was born March 21, 1931, at home in Edgewood Lodomillo Township, Iowa, to Wesley and Opal (Prouse) Doese. Betty entered eternal rest Friday, July 24, 2020. She was raised on the family farm near Arlington, Iowa. In the early 40’s the German spelling of the family last name Doese was changed to Daisy. Still today the family uses the American spelling, Daisy, like the flower.

Betty graduated from Arlington High School in 1949. On December 15, 1949, she was married to Arthur Lindy Frey, in West Union at the Bethel Presbyterian Church. Lindy and Betty had met at a carnival in Wadena, as Lindy followed her around the grounds, calling her by the name embroidered on her scarf, “Betty”. Betty’s father was concerned that she had met a Wadena boy, until she told him it was one of the Frey Boys…then he thought that was ok!

Betty’s first job was at the Dime Store in the nearby town of Oelwein, Iowa. Lindy worked on the Frey Family Farm in Wadena. In 1952 they started their family and raised the first three of their five children at the farm in Wadena. In 1963, Lindy & Betty purchased their own farm and moved the family to Postville. They welcomed two more boys to the family and continued farming into the 1980’s. The family were all active members at the Frankville Community Presbyterian Church and Betty held many leadership roles with the women’s Presbytery group, including being active in the church Women’s Circle and many other activities over the years. Betty and Lindy were deeply committed to attending milestone celebrations of family and community friends, including baptisms, confirmations, graduations and weddings, often traveling many miles to be sure they could be there in person for loved ones.

In 2008, after the tragic loss of her loving husband Lindy, Betty sold the farm and moved to Scenic Acres at Elkader. In 2014, she moved to the Good Samaritan Home in Postville.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, brother Gerald, sister Geraldine, grandson Brady, son Philo, husband Lindy and son in law Ryan Fox.

Betty is survived by four children, Sally Fox; (Montrose, CO); Kathleen (Pete) Fichtel, (Hiawatha, IA); David Frey (Chicago, IL); Larry (Annette) Frey (Postville, IA); five grandchildren, Stephanie (Scott) Sinner, Jennifer (Brad) Craig, Jason (Katie) Frey, Emily and Katelyn Frey; and four great granddaughters Maryann and Lilly Frey, Makayla and Daisy Craig. Betty is also survived by her brother Charley Daisy (Julia Faust), Arlington, IA.

Honorary Pallbearers: Pete Fichtel, Brad Craig, Scott Sinner.

Betty will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband and son at 3:00 pm on Tuesday, July 28, 2020 at the Wadena Cemetery, Wadena, Iowa with Rev. Karla Johnson as the officiant.

Memorials may be given to Frankville Presbyterian Church, Frankville, Iowa and Good Samaritan Society in Postville, Iowa.

Please mail to: Kathleen Fichtel, 107 3rd Avenue, Hiawatha, Iowa 52233.

To protect others, due to Covid-19, we ask everyone to continue social distancing and wear a mask if you plan on attending. Please bring a chair to the graveside.

Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Postville, Iowa is assisting the family with arrangements.

Visit Schutte-Grau Funeral Homes and Cremation Services by clicking here.