Retired Sgt. 1st Class Harlan Dee Frey, Jr., 74, of rural DuBois, Nebraska, was born on Sept. 28, 1946, in Seneca, Kansas, to Harlan Sr. and Neola (Kroemer) Frey. He was raised near Bern, where he received his schooling and graduated from Bern High School with the class of 1964. As a young man, Harlan enjoyed playing softball. He would play or manage baseball teams or slow pitch softball teams around Bern well into his fifties.
After graduating high school, Harlan began taking college classes before he was drafted in the U.S. Army. He entered active duty at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, June 26, 1966, during the Vietnam War and was called home from Vietnam when his grandfather was killed in a tractor accident. Harlan was later honorably discharged from the Army on Nov. 3, 1966, and then served for over 25 years in active status with the 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Artillery, Kansas Army National Guard. He was discharged as sergeant first class April 8, 1991.
Harlan was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Linda Marteney, Oct. 8, 1967. To this union two sons, Kevin and Cory, were born. The couple raised their family near Bern, where Harlan farmed and did many other various jobs. He and Linda owned and operated the bar in DuBois for many years before Harlan sold the bar and retired. He then enjoyed traveling, working around the farm, taking care of his cats, building bird houses and other honey do jobs.
Harlan was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed spending his time outside, whether it was farming, hunting, fishing or playing baseball. But most of all, Harlan looked forward to spending as much time with his kids and grandkids. He loved going to their sporting events, plays, speech competitions, musicals and ball games.
Harlan passed away Feb. 21 at the Crestview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Seneca, having reached the earthly age of 74 years, four months and twenty-four days. He is preceded in death by his parents.
Harlan is survived by his loving wife of 53 years Linda Frey of rural DuBois; sons: Kevin Frey and his wife Laura of Gardner, Kansas; Cory Frey and his wife Jaime of Dawson, Nebraska; grandchildren: Beau Frey of Pittsburg, Kansas; Caleb Frey of Gardner; Katie Frey of Omaha, Nebraska; Hunter and Jazi Frey of Dawson; a sister Kaye Porter and husband Jim of Topeka; a brother Randy Frey and wife Cindy of Sabetha, Kansas; mother-in-law Nila Marteney of Seneca; sisters-in-law: Janice Marteney of Seneca; Donna Eisenbarth of Seneca; and many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Per his request, no services are scheduled at this time for Harlan.
Memorials contributions may be given to the Southeast Nebraska Cancer Garden.