Rev. Jack W. Frerker

October 10, 1937 - June 17, 2018

Rev. Jack Frerker, 80, of Olympia, Washington passed away on Sunday, June 17, 2018 at Providence Mother Joseph Care Center in Olympia. He was born in Breese, Illinois on October 10, 1937 the son of John and Cleopha (Erlinger) Frerker. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, step-mother Agnes Danehy Frerker and a brother-in-law, Bernard Wessel. He is survived by his siblings: Nancy Ann Wessel, Richard (Patricia) Frerker, Mary Agnes (Robert) Berndsen, , Robert James (Marjory) Danehy, Peggy (Richard) Hellige and Lynda Louise Frerker. Rev. Frerker held many degrees in philosophy, theology, religion and Humanistic studies. He was ordained at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Belleville, Illinois on June 1, 1963. During his time as a priest, he ministered at St. Philip Parish in East St. Louis, St. Lawrence Parish in Lawrenceville, St. Anthony Parish in Lively Grove, and St. Catherine Laboure Parish in Cahokia. He also taught at many local high schools including Cathedral, Althoff, Assumption, and Mater Dei. He served as the Director of Campus Ministry at Southern Illinois University Carbondale Newman Center, and St. Martin’s College in Olympia. Rev. Frerker was the Executive Director of the National Federation of Priests’ Council from 1987 until 1989. He retired from priesthood on July 11, 2000. After retirement he spent his time enjoying movies, theater, golf, and classical music. He has seven self-published novels and two children’s books. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, July 7, 2018 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Carlyle, Illinois. Memorials made in memory of Rev. Jack Frerker are suggested to Newman Center at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale and will be received at church or at Nordike Funeral Home, 740 Fairfax Street, Carlyle, IL 62231.