Norvin H. Frerichs

Norvin Henry Frerichs, age 86, of Wray, CO passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 1st 2024 surrounded by his daughters and granddaughters.

Norvin was born September 28th, 1937 in Brule, NE to Hie and Barbara Frerichs as the youngest of four children. They lived on the family farm in Brule where they raised barley, corn, alfalfa, and sugar beets.

Norvin’s education included school at St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Ogallala, high school in Brule, and he graduated from Ogallala High School in 1955. While growing up in Nebraska, Norvin enjoyed all the outdoor activities of a farm boy including 4-H, livestock judging, hanging out with his brother Robert, and helping his mother Barbara around the home.

In 1956, the family sold the farm and moved to the Fort Collins, CO area. While there, he worked for a few years before attending Colorado A&M. By introduction from his sister Ruthie, he met Carolyn Stults. They first connected through St. John’s Lutheran Church young adult group and the choir. Both still in college, Norvin and Carolyn were joined in holy matrimony on June 28th, 1959 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Wray.

Norvin continued to study and participate in livestock activities where he was active in livestock judging. He enlisted in the Army, however, he never was deployed or in combat. Norvin proudly graduated from Colorado State University in the summer of 1963, and began work as a CSU Extension agent in livestock and the youth 4-H program. The couple moved to Montrose, CO and Pamela Kay was born shortly after. The couple then moved to Glenwood Springs where he continued work as CSU Extension Agent & Robin Leigh was born in 1965.

In 1967, the family moved to Wray where Norvin started a new endeavor in banking. The family was then complete with the births of Teri Lynne in 1968 and Lori Ann in 1970. The move to Wray was a good one and they enjoyed being close to Carolyn’s family with lots of outdoor, family, and community activities.

Norvin started his 35-year career with First National Bank upon moving to Wray. He enjoyed working with all of his customers and watching or helping them be successful. He advanced to Senior Vice President, manager and ag appraiser of the Farm Services Department for most of his career at the bank. Norvin retired from his office in 2002 and continued to do farm appraisals for a few years. Many great friendships were forged through these years, and so many shenanigans and laughs were shared as well...these stories will last forever!

Norv was a very civic-minded and loyal community member. As a member of the Lion’s Club he helped build the Wray Amphitheatre, served at many pancake breakfasts and Beecher Island reunions. Many hours were given as a volunteer fireman and some can recall him reporting to a fire call in his business suit! He was an avid 4-H supporter; starting the Golden Opportunity 4-H club, 4-H project leader and coordinating the Yuma County Livestock sale for many years. His support of livestock continued with Yuma County Cattlemen’s Association, at the National Western Stock Show helping with college livestock judging and other agriculture associations. His other community involvement includes Wray Riverside Park, Wray All-American City, and board member of the WRAC for many years. His sense of civic responsibility was noted through his many years of involvement in Wray Chamber of Commerce, EYCHS (Historical Society) board, Wray City Council and Wray Housing Authority. Lastly, his pride for the Wray Eagles could be seen and heard at sporting events for years on end.

Norvin loved working his property. He planted Christmas trees, took care of his pasture, and developed a large garden. Many picnics were hosted at their property throughout the years. Norvin and Carolyn were pretty ‘famous’ for their garden as well, coordinating the Farmers Market for many summers. He was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church since moving to Wray, serving as Sunday school teacher, choir member, Elder, Trustee, Treasurer, landscaping, and contributing in untold ways.

Although Norvin was very busy with work and community, he always made sure to make time for his family and faith. Norv was known for raising lambs. He also had horses, cattle, fowl (geese, ducks and chickens), farm cats and of course the family dog. Pam, Robin & Teri thoroughly enjoyed the property with ice-skating on the pond, cookouts in the pasture, hunting tadpoles, and climbing or sledding in the bluffs. Summers were especially enjoyed by the family with many trips to Bonny Dam to waterski and family vacations riding in the station wagon or van from one coast to another.

In the last years of his life Norv’s family, friends and caregivers enjoyed stories throughout his years of adventures, floods, blizzards and all sorts of tales. Norvin loved his family dearly and had a work ethic that was second to none. Although he could be an ornery character, Norv had a sweet side and will be remembered as a man of great integrity and faith in God.

Norvin Henry was preceded in death by his parents Hie & Barbara Frerichs, sister Theresa Walkenhorst, brother Robert Frerichs, sister Ruth Bachman, daughter Lori Frerichs, and wife Carolyn Frerichs.

Norvin is survived by his daughters Pamela & Leroy Foster of Wray, Robin & Richard Schneider of Wray, Teri Frerichs of Windsor, granddaughters Jessica & Tom Groves with great-granddaughter Madelyn Jane of Windsor, Tori & Chase Claburn of Sheridan Wyoming and many nieces and nephews.