Steven Jon Frech

Steven Jon Frech, age 70, passed away on Monday, April 13, 2026 surrounded by his family. He was a loving husband to his wife Barb, a devoted father to Mandy Frech, Steven Frech, and Stephanie (Scott) Poludniak, and beloved Papa to his grandchildren Carson and Tatum. 

Steve earned a B.S. in Engineering from Purdue University and an MBA from the Keller Graduate School of Management. He spent the first half of his career working in the transportation industry as an engineer and later as a consultant, teaching lean manufacturing processes to clients. Steve always sought opportunities to learn and grow, both professionally and personally. He was an advocate of academia, loved science, and was an avid reader.

For Steve, golf was a passion that began in high school and continued throughout his life. He never missed an opportunity to play. His clubs had frequent flyer mile status, as they accompanied him on numerous domestic and international trips over the years. Even after a three-and-a-half-year battle with cancer, he brought his golf clubs on his final trip, determined to play one last round.

Steve met the love of his life, Barb, at age 14 during teen night at the neighborhood pool. Literally growing up together, they navigated dating through high school, raised three children, welcomed two grandchildren, and enjoyed more than 50 years of marriage. In the early years, on nice days, Steve was on the golf course and often arrived late for their dates. Barb could see the writing on the wall and let her parents know she wanted golf clubs for Christmas. They would play every weekend and, later in life, golf trips up and down the Pacific Coast Highway and Cabo San Lucas became cherished memories. 

Steve loved vacationing on Hilton Head Island with his family, spending time at the beach, playing volleyball with his grandkids in the pool, and making shrimp and grits. He and Barb often reflected on their life’s journey, considering their family to be their greatest accomplishment. 

To his children, Dad was the builder of bunk beds, tree houses, and play kitchens. He was the assembler of Barbie minivans, Star Wars spaceships, swing sets, and countless cardboard playsets.

He taught Stephanie and Mandy they could do anything boys could do - and meant it.He taught Steven the value of a good work ethic and would always help with the paper route on snowy mornings. He taught all of them how to fish, how to be team players, and would go to great lengths to demonstrate that everything was “physics.” He was a Little League and Teen League baseball coach who spent many hours throwing the ball in the backyard and working on lineups at the kitchen table. 

As his children grew older, Steve remained a steadfast presence in their lives. He helped them move into countless apartments - driving U-Hauls, building furniture, painting rooms, and was often called for advice on emergency repairs and various home projects. Steve’s love and support provided them with a strong foundation for a life grounded in love, independence, and integrity.

Steve will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and papa who selflessly put his family first to ensure they had what they needed, always. He was, and will forever be, remembered, loved, and respected by those who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Tee, an organization teaching children and teens important life skills through the game of golf. These key commitments include Pursuing Goals, Growing through Challenge, Collaborating with Others, Building Positive Self-Identity, and Using Good Judgement, while focusing on mastering golf fundamentals and building upon a golf skill foundation.  https://firsttee.org/donate/