Bernie Harlan Freng, 84, Formerly of Pelican Rapids

1922 - 2006

Bernie Harlan Freng, 84, formerly of Pelican Rapids, died Dec. 26, 2006, in Texas. A memorial service will held in spring 2007.

He was born in Pelican Rapids on Oct. 10, 1922, and graduated from Pelican Rapids High School in 1940. Bemie and Meria (Pansch) Freng were married on June 30, 1957, in Ortonville at Trinity Lutheran Church.

Bernie served as a school custodian in Pelican Rapids for 27 years until he was disabled by arthritis in 1977. The couple lived in Pelican Rapdis until 1969 when they moved to Fergus Falls, living there for 25 years before moving to Ortonville in 1994.

While in Fergus Falls he sang with the Fergus Falls Barbershop Chorus. He was a member of the Faith Lutheran Church Choir, Trinity Lutheran Church Choir and The Sounds of Faith Men's Chorus.

Besides music, his favorite hobby was keeping track of sporting events and never missed the sports page of any newspaper he had in hand. He enjoyed working anagrams and watching TV sporting events.

Since 1987 the Frengs spent winters in Texas. Because of ill health he was unable to return to his summer home this past year.

Survivors include his wife, Meria; sons, Merian Kirn (Jolene) and Hadley (Kimberiy); four grandchildren: Nathaniel, Cody, Stephanie and Austin; his brother, Murrae (Helen) Freng of Plymouth; and his two special pets, Lucky and Precious.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Benoni (Bennie) and Eunice (Nordberg) Freng.

His cremated remains will be buried at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Odessa, Minn., in the spring.