Louis Halbert "Lou" Frey

Louis H. Frey, age 96, passed away October 28, 2022, at NorthPointe Woods. He was born on March 7, 1926, in Battle Creek, Michigan, to Fred and Bernice (Halbert) Frey. Except for time in the military and attending college, the Battle Creek area was his lifelong home.

Lou had not quite completed his senior year at Battle Creek Central High School when he received notice to report for induction into the U.S. Army. Shortly after graduation in June of 1944, he was on his way to serve his country during World War II. A year later, Lou and his 97th Division were near Prague, Czechoslovakia, when the war in Europe ended. They returned home across the Atlantic only to continue along to Japan, arriving off the coast just in time for the signing of documents that officially ended WWII. Lou and his Division subsequently spent eight months in Japan as part of the Allied Occupation.

In 1951, Lou received his Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry from Michigan State College (now University). It was at Michigan State that he met the love of his life, Beverly Borden. They were married in Detroit on September 12, 1953, and began their married life in Battle Creek. Lou and Bev were Life Members of the MSU Alumni Association, and traveled regularly to East Lansing and other Big Ten towns for football and basketball games.

Beginning a career lasting 40 years, Lou established his building contracting business in 1952. He built many houses in the Battle Creek area—including the four homes where he and Bev lived throughout their 68 years of marriage—and he is still known for their high-quality construction. Later, he became involved in commercial construction, including building and managing Eastland and Garrison North Apartments, developing Tower Road Business Park, and serving as building committee chairman on the Board of Directors of NorthPointe Woods Senior Living Community.

Lou was a long-time member of the Battle Creek Association of Home Builders. He held several offices and served as President in 1961, the year the association began its Parade of Homes. He was honored as "Builder of the Year" in 1993 and elected to the association's Hall of Fame in 1996. Later, following his retirement, Lou volunteered with Battle Creek Area Habitat for Humanity, where his construction knowledge and ability to lead a crew were valuable.

As a member of Urbandale and then Battle Creek Kiwanis Club for 68 years, Lou served in numerous capacities. He was especially dedicated to the group's Youth Conservation Area, contributing to the enhancement and maintenance of the site. He enjoyed hosting area fifth graders when they came for the annual Conservation Field Day, and witnessing the spectacular show put on by the thousands of migrating cranes that take a break there each fall. Throughout their lives, Lou and Bev were also active churchgoers, most recently as long-time members of First Presbyterian Church. Over the years, they enjoyed travel—both throughout the United States and abroad—and cherished time spent at their second home on Lake Macatawa in Holland, Michigan.

Always a gentleman, Lou was dedicated to his family and a devoted caregiver to Beverly during her final years.

He will be missed by his daughters, Luanne (Mark Lukow) Frey of Racine, Wisconsin, and Cheryl (David) Martin of Kalamazoo; grandchildren, Brent Martin, Kyle Martin, Meredith (Nathaniel Steinsultz) Lukow, and Nathan (Katharina) Lukow; and great-granddaughter, Parker Martin. Louis was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly (2021); son, Thomas Frey (1988); his parents; his sister, Annette Craig (2002); and his brother, C. James Frey (2019).

A visitation will be held at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home in Battle Creek on Monday, November 14th beginning at 10:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11:30 a.m.

If you would like to make a donation in Louis's memory, please consider the Battle Creek Kiwanis Club (include a note designating the Youth Conservation Area), 2435 West Territorial Rd., Battle Creek, MI 49015; or Battle Creek Area Habitat for Humanity, 595 North Ave., Battle Creek, MI 49017. Personal messages may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com