Lawrence Frey
Highland | Save
Lawrence R. "Larry" Frey, age 83 of Highland, IL, died Friday, January 23, 2026, at Banner Hospital - South in Tucson, AZ.
He was born on Wednesday, September 2, 1942, in Highland, IL, the son of Lawrence Paul and Clarice Dorothy (nee Kayser) Frey.
On Saturday, March 30, 1985, he married Kathy (nee Gooch) Frey in Tucson, Arizona, who survives.
He was a member of Saint Paul Catholic Church. He was also a member of V.F.W. Post #5694, American Legion Post #439 and Experimental Aircraft Association.
Larry graduated from St. Paul High School in 1960 and enlisted in the US Air Force. He spent four years in the military as a surface-to-air missile electronics technician. After the Air Force, he joined IBM in Chicago as a field engineer. During his career he traveled all over the US, living in Chicago, Poughkeepsie, St. Louis, Springfield, IL & MO., Tucson and Dallas retiring as a senior engineering manager.
As a young man, he was an Eagle Scout, managed the Highland Swimming Pool and was very active in the community. He always loved airplanes. In the second and third grades, he spent more time with the Principal for drawing airplane pictures rather than listening in class. He learned to fly in the early 70's, flew with the French Connection Aerobatic Team, built his own RV-7A and retired from flying after 52 years earning the FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award.
During his retirement from IBM, he and his wife spent four years traveling and living in their motorhome. They moved to Highland in 2001 and joined the American Legion Post 439 and VFW Posts 5694 where he served on the Honor Guard team.
He is survived by his wife, Kathy, sons Brently Frey of Ft. Lauderdale and Blake Frey of St. Louis, brothers Dwight (Audré) Frey of Grand Rapids & Rick (Debra) Frey of Highland. Many wonderful nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence P. Frey (died 11/14/2003) and Clarice D. Frey, nee Kayser (died 7/16/2005).
Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
A Visitation with a luncheon will be held Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Highland VFW Post #5694. From noon to 12:30 PM visitors are encouraged to mingle and then join for lunch at 12:30 PM. At 2:00 PM the VFW & American Legion will provide military honors, and prayers will follow military service.
Burial will be at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Catholic School Foundation or Highland Area Community Foundation.
Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home
