Beverly “Bev” Frislie

October 28, 1930 - April 8, 2023

Visitation: Visitation, with family present, will be Thursday from 5-7 p.m. at Redeemer Free Lutheran Church.  

Service: Funeral services will begin at 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 14, 2023 at Redeemer Free Lutheran Church in Canton, SD. 

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              Beverly Jean (Brurud) Frislie, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones Saturday, April 8, 2023, at Can-ton Inwood Hospital. She was a good woman, who knew she needed a Saviour. Bev was born on a farm near Hudson, SD, October 28, 1930, to Oscar and Hazel (Johnson) Brurud, the youngest of three children. Her father built a garage intending to build a house next, but the depression hit, and the garage became the family’s tiny home. Their blind grandmother lived with them, as well. Their circumstances and suffering created a life long bond of love between them!

                Bev attended country school, occasionally riding her pony, Bobby. She continued her education at Canton HS, boarding with other farm girls. Following high school she married the man she believed God brought to her, John Frislie, April 22, 1949. 11 months later their first child was born followed by 5 more children, ending with Sonja, the greatest gift we all could have received.

                Bev was a compassionate woman who loved people, especially those in need. In the 50s, she fed hobos lunch on the back porch steps, years later she and Gus got involved in prison ministry, inviting several to stay in their home. Their house was like a free B&B, welcoming relatives from around the country, a pastor from India, and several temporarily without a home. She often visited the sick, always with a flower in hand.         A natural born sales lady…she worked at her mothers-in-law’s Canton Apparel Store, and later before it was vogue she opened a consign-ment store, and then went on to sell 5th Ave Jewelry. She loved garage sales; both having her infamous annual sale as well as going to them. She was very involved with her church: she was a special needs Sunday School teacher, helping to oversee the annual Potato Bake and Wedding Dress Style Show, plus was part of the women’s group. She was also involved in VFW, Boy Scout Leader, Sons of Norway and a Welcome Wagon Lady. She enjoyed organizing get togethers, class reunions and especially family holiday gatherings, which always included lots of food, including her fresh caramel rolls…she rarely slept, yet never seemed exhausted. She loved it.

                Do you know anyone else that had a 30 cup coffee pot on their countertop – with a 12 cup back up behind it? She did! She always had the coffee on for anyone stopping by. When she invited you over, it was from the heart… and people knew it! Once you shared a cup of coffee you were a friend forever. She became your sec-ond mom, aunt or grandma!

                She was the original ‘kool-aid’ mom…kids were literally crawling all over the Frislie yard/‘park’, which also made it impossible for grass to grow. The neighborhood was filled with wonderful ‘at home’ moms who helped watch each other’s kids, while the mothers bonded over gallons of coffee. Summers usually meant a trip to the lake in Minnesota, a highlight for the parents, kids and cousins—creating lifelong memories.

                Gus (aka John) and Bev lived a simple and loving life together – surviving within their means, never a new car, but one that ran and was paid for, yummy meals and lots of love sprinkled with some firm discipline. When Gus came home from work, he was greeted with a smile and a kiss, her lipstick was fresh, hair combed and she was always (yes…ALWAYS) dressed fashionably. She was a devoted wife through the good and the hard times. The two of them suffered so well and graciously.

                Bev was preceded in death by her husband of 73 years and 2 days, John, parents, infant sister, Gloria Jean Brurud, sister, Merlyn Gabrielson; sons, Steve and Larry; great grandchildren, Sophia Rydell and Lee Wirth. She is survived by her children; Vicki (Bruce) Larson, Fargo, ND; Craig (Cheryl), Sisters, OR; Brian (Sue), Atlanta, GA; Sonja (Mick) Tyrrell, Canton, SD; daughter in law Paulette Frislie, Canton. Grandchildren; Karin (Jamie) Wirth, Anne (Mike) Rydell, Sara (Brian) Halverson; Heidi (Gary, deceased) Ericson, Hope (Jason) Bryant, Michael (Karolina) Slack; Chad (Brianna) Frislie, Jeremy (special friend, Asia Collett) Frislie, Jill (Pat) Pleas; Shannon (Kenny) Greaves, Corey (Joie) Frislie, Maggie Frislie; Josh (Melissa) Tyrrell. Great Grandchildren: Audrey, Lucy, Evie Rydell; Anna, James, John Halverson; Tatum, Rickie Wirth, Quinton Vonesh; Emery Ericson; Paislee, Ty Carlson, Benson Bryant ; Olivia, Lucas Slack; Jasper, Aksel, Bjorn Frislie; Mila, Sylvie, Nolan Pleas; ViChey, Otto Frislie; Hayden, McKenna Greaves; Tallen, Jase, Ellie Tyrrell.

Memorials can be given to Redeemer Free Lutheran Church, Canton; Union Gospel Mission, Sioux Falls or Canton Lutheran’s Window Fund. A special thank you to the staff of Canton Inwood Hospital and Hiawatha Heights Assisted Living for all of the love and wonderful care that was given to our Mother.

Funeral services will begin at 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 14, 2023 at Redeemer Free Lutheran Church in Canton, SD.  Visitation, with family present, will be Thursday from 5-7 p.m. at Redeemer Free Lutheran Church.

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26 messages have been left

  1. Tami Rikansrud on April 9, 2023 said:

    Frislie family, I’m so sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful lady.

  2. Denise Ford on April 10, 2023 said:

    I was informed two days ago by my son, Robert Frislie, of Bev’s condition and today my heart is greatly sadden. She and John graciously welcomed me into their home and life fifty some years ago. Now she is reunited with her loving husband, two sons and the Lord. My heart and prayers are with Vicki, Craig, Brian and Sonja. Bev was a shinning example for us all.

  3. Ron Stengel on April 10, 2023 said:

    My sincere sympathy to Bev Frislie’s family. She was a very sweet lady with a heart of gold. She was very nice to visit with and would do anything for you. I remember visiting with her and John when they were sitting outside at the time they lived in the apartment. I will miss them both dearly. Praying for the family now and in the days ahead. RIP Bev.

  4. Ken and Ann Jones on April 10, 2023 said:

    Dear Vicki, Craig, Brian and Sonja,
    Memories just come flooding back from 65-70 years ago. She and your dad both were always so kind and caring. Bev was the most welcoming person, she could make a person feel right at home and comfortable so quickly. What a life they shared raising all six children to be such fine humans. She must be so happy to be with “Gus” now.
    We share in your sadness but rejoice with you in celebrating her earthly and eternal life .
    Our sincere sympathies, prayers and love to the Frislie family.

  5. Cindy Hyronemus on April 10, 2023 said:

    Sonja and family we are so sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers. Love you 🙏💜🙏

  6. Gene and Sonja (Tokle) Oakland on April 10, 2023 said:

    We were certainly saddened to learn of Bevs passing. She was a wonderful, wonderful lady !! Bev will be missed, but yet remembered, by many !!

  7. Francis and Carol McEntee on April 10, 2023 said:

    so sorry for the loss of Bev. she was a very sweet lady .

  8. Ron & RaNae Tyrrrell on April 10, 2023 said:

    So very sorry for your lost, she was a wonderful person, Bev always remembered crashing my birthday party,

  9. Joan K Morck on April 10, 2023 said:

    A very kind and caring person .She will be missed. Prayers for her family.

  10. Tim Bartling on April 11, 2023 said:

    One of the nicest ladies ive ever met. R.I.P. Bev

  11. Lynn and Char Rodway on April 11, 2023 said:

    we were saddened to learn Bev had passed away. She was always willing to help with the bake sales and advertising for the Sons of Norway in earlier years. Such a beautiful gracious lady! Now being reunited with Gus her loving husband and Lord and Savior!
    Our sincere sympathy to the Frislie family.

  12. Julie M Kellogg on April 11, 2023 said:

    Family, forgiveness, and faith. Beverly taught me a lot about those topics. She was like a mother to me. I will remember her fondly.

  13. Jon Thorburn on April 11, 2023 said:

    My Condolences to the family. I have known Bev for many years. Such a wonderful Lady.
    God’s Blessings to you all.

  14. Karen Lesmeister on April 11, 2023 said:

    My thoughts are with the family..Her brother Don told me she sure could ride a horse as a young lady..We will miss her.
    Karen Lesmeister
    Clark’s friend

  15. Barb Hartland on April 12, 2023 said:

    I am so sorry for the loss of Bev. She was such a sweet lady! Your family are in my prayers at this difficult time.

  16. Scott & Arlene Bjorneberg on April 12, 2023 said:

    John & Bev were the Best neighbors and friends! Prayers for the Family!

  17. Gail Bauer on April 12, 2023 said:

    I will always remember your mom’s sincerity, her graciousness and that smile!
    Not easy to lose someone who gave so much but what a treasure to know she was in your lives. God Bless.

  18. Mary Taylor on April 12, 2023 said:

    You were such a true inspiration and wonderful woman! You will so deeply be missed.

  19. Jennifer Engel on April 14, 2023 said:

    One of my favorite memories is staying with Bev and Gus when I came to Canton to look at colleges. They welcomed us with open arms every time we visited and took us around the city to all of their favorite places and to visit family. They also showed me all of the buildings and homes that my grandfather had built. Thank you for sharing them with us. I hold a special place for both of them in my heart. Thinking of you and sending prayers and love!

  20. Dave Stengel on April 14, 2023 said:

    My condolences to the entire Frislie family. Bev was a wonderful person who will be missed by many. Rest in peace Bev.

  21. Nancy J Ellis on April 15, 2023 said:

    sending my condolences to the Frislie family.

  22. Steve Muller on April 15, 2023 said:

    So sorry for your loss. Bev was the nicest person anyone could know Tuna

  23. Terri Sabins on April 15, 2023 said:

    To the family:
    I’m not sure if you remember me – I lived across the street from the Anderson’s when we were kids- Terri Peterson. I have many good, fun, uplifting memories of kick the can in the street, biking and fun yard games with koolaide and snacks from Bev.
    I would have loved to watch her grow old gracefully and learn much from that season of her life. Praise God I’ll see her in heaven! I’m sure she was welcomed with “well done my good and faithful servant Bev.”
    Praying for a time of comfort as you grieve.
    Terri Sabins

  24. Fran Winter on April 16, 2023 said:

    She was a very nice lady and Bev and Gus were so good together. She always had a smile . So sorry for your loss. She will be missed.

  25. Brenda Tiemann on April 16, 2023 said:

    My thoughts and prayers go out to all who knew her but most of all to her family!!!! She was a wonderful lady!!!!! Always helpful and greeting you with a smile!!!!! She will be missed!!!!!!

  26. Nannette Wandrey on March 8, 2024 said:

    Bev was a best friend to my Aunt Wava and my Mother Dorothy Mickelson, growing up in Canton SD. My Aunt Wava and Bev one Mothers Day weekend I hosted them both in my home, here in Minnesota to pamper them both, much well deserved, fun weekend and great memories made💕Bev was a wonderful women and friend, may she rest in peace until we meet again in Jesus arms❤️✝️🙏