Visitation: Visitation will be Monday, May 2nd from 2-7 p.m., family present from 5-7 p.m., at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton.
Service: Funeral services will begin at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 3rd at Redeemer Free Lutheran Church in Canton, SD.
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John Leroy (Gus) Frislie passed away April 24, 2022, at Sanford Heart Hospital, Sioux Falls, with his loving daughter, Sonja, by his side. John was born in Canton, June 26, 1927, to Orlando Tilford and Lydia (Millie) Frislie, the youngest of three children.
Following his 1945 graduation from Canton High School, he enlisted in the Army. Upon his return to Canton, he noticed an attractive young woman each Friday walking past his house carrying her suitcase to the train station. He offered her a ride…a ride that lasted a lifetime. On April 22, 1949, John and Beverly Brurud exchanged marriage vows at Canton Lutheran, the church his grandfather, John Millie helped build and where he was baptized and confirmed. John and Bev were blessed with 73 years of marriage, 6 children, 13 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren.
In the early ‘50’s John and his brother, Don, started Frislie Brother’s Men’s Clothing Store next door to their mother’s Canton Apparel Shop. He later worked for the Lincoln County Soil Conservation, Canton Post Office, and was Lincoln County Highway Superintendent for over 20 years. He was a County Commissioner and belonged to the Sons of Norway, VFW, Legion, & a charter member of the Lion’s Club. An active member of Canton Lutheran, he served as President of the Congregation, an usher and on the Church Council.
John and Bev loved family gatherings and their home was the center of many holidays and get-togethers. They opened their home to everyone; whether they needed a listening ear, a cup of coffee, or a place to sleep…it took only a minute and a stranger became a friend! Their yard, ‘Frislie Park’, was a place kids played endlessly on equipment constructed by John – wearing out any grass that tried to grow! The annual trip to Lake Florida and Green Lake in Minnesota was a family highlight. It began in the 1930s by Grandpa Millie and lasted over 80 years. Many wonderful memories were made…especially the delicious fried fish John made from his catch! Not only did he enjoy fishing, but hunting, woodworking, gardening, and playing pool with his buddies in the old Library. He and Bev’s Norwegian connection led him into exploring the heritage they shared. He was the family historian!
John was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Don Frislie, sister, Dorothy Anderson, sons; Steve and Larry, great grandchildren, Sophia Rydell and Lee Wirth. He is survived by his wife, Bev, his children; Vicki (Bruce) Larson, Fargo, ND; Craig (Cheryl), Bend, 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 (fiancé 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, Olivia, Lucas Slack, Benson Bryant; Jasper, Aksel, Bjorn Frislie, Mila, Sylvie, Nolan Pleas; ViChey and Otto Frislie; Hayden, McKenna Greaves; Tallen, Jase, Ellie Tyrrell.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 3, 1:00 pm, at Redeemer Free Church, in Canton, SD. Visitation will be Monday, May 2, from 2-7 PM; family present from 5-7 pm, at Anderson Funeral Home, Canton, SD. Memorials can be given to the Ukraine.
Frislie family, I’m sorry to find out about your loss. Heaven will receive a dear angel.
My sympathy to the Frislie family in the loss of husband, father , and grandpa. John was such a nice friendly man and will be missed by many. May God wrap his loving arms around all.
My sympathy to John Frislie’s family. He was a kind and gentle man who was very well known and will truly be missed by all who had the honor of knowing him. Rest in peace Gus.
Sympathy too the Frislie family, John was one great awesome guy, enjoyed working with him on the conservation board for many years, he made the world a better place.
God bless the Frislie family, R.I.P. Mr. Frislie.
To the Friislie family.our sympathy to you. Prayers for all. He will be missed.
To the Frislie family, So sorry for your loss, Gus’s was a Great husband, father, grandpa and friend. My childhood with stories he and my Dad told will always be cherished. He will be missed. All our love to family, And to Bev, my heart is sad and hurting, Love you.
We are so sorry for your loss ! Hugs and prayers. We love you ! David and Cindy Hyronemus
If I could’ve picked someone to be my Dad. Gus would have been it. He and I used to have great conversations while Bev was cooking dinner. Thanks for your love. That goes to you too Bev.
Bev, my sincere condolences to you and the family. I always enjoyed my conversations with Gus and they will be missed. Rest in peace my friend.
Our deepest sympathies to your family
Beverly (Sophia) and family, No words can explain how you are feeling. Let’s hope by the grace of God you are able to heal from the suffering we all feel after Gus’s passing. Know you are all loved by community.
RIP.
Bev & family,
My connection to you & John came thru my father, Palmer Paulson and then later thru my son, Chris, when he worked with/became very interested in woodworking with your son, Jeremy. Chris very much enjoyed spending time with you, & appreciated being included in some family meals. I always enjoyed visiting with you two, such a kind & caring couple. I am sending my heartfelt & deepest wishes for peace & comfort in all your wonderful memories of your life with John. God be with you~