Gene Frehlich

1943 - 2022

Eugene Frehlich, beloved husband of Irene Frehlich, passed away in Taber on Thursday, January 27, 2022 at the age of 78 years.

The Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, Taber on Tuesday, February 1, 2022 at 10:00 A.M. Burial followed at the Taber Memorial Garden.

Survived by his wife, Irene Frehlich, daughter Leanne Mellafont (Leonard), son Craig Frehlich (Leanne), sisters and brothers Jenny Tymko, Margret Bard, Willie Frehlich, and Ray Frehlich, Grandkids Rylan, Colton, and Ashton Melafont; Heidi and Dieter Frehlich and numerous nieces and nephews.

Gene was born in March 1943 in Scott, SK. He grew up in Wilkie, where he met Irene at age 15. They fell in love and married in 1964. Gene and Irene moved to Moosomin, SK in 1968, where he worked in the Allan Post Ash Mine. During this time they had two beautiful children, Craig and Leanne.

In 1975, they moved on to Weyburn, SK, where he became a professional carpet layer.

In 1976, they moved one last time, to Taber, where they laid down roots. Gene was highly involved in the community, coaching baseball and hockey, and volunteering with various organizations. While in Taber, Gene established a highly successful carpet cleaning business. Hard work and quality services were cornerstones of his business model. His relentless work ethic made lasting impressions on anyone that knew him.

Throughout their 58 wonderful years of marriage, Gene and Irene enjoyed traveling and camping, and visiting with friends. Many days were spent at Indian Hill, enjoying golfing and taking care of the garden and lawns. Some of their happiest winter days were spent in Yuma, Arizona. They met many wonderful people there and were highly involved in the “helping hands” charity.

Gene was blessed with five grandchildren that he loved dearly. Over the years, he instilled in them the importance of perseverance and hardwork. Playful in nature, he was so fun to be around.

Family and friends were extremely important to Gene. A good day for Gene was filled with laughter and companionship with others. His boisterous disposition and outgoing spirit made him the “life of the party.”

In his later years, Gene had to overcome many health challenges due to years of hard physical labor. In the last years of his life, he was diagnosed with Amyloidosis, which occurs when an abnormal protein builds up in your organs and interferes with several key body systems. Gene succumbed to heart failure at home on Thursday, January 27, 2022, surrounded by his loving family.

He will live on forever in our hearts.

No flowers by request. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Eugene’s name may be made directly to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 100, 119 - 14 Street NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1Z6 www.heartandstroke.com.