F. Rudolf Lafrenz, 85, Sioux Falls, S.D., formerly of the Rock County area, died Tuesday, April 16, 2002, at Good Samaritan Luther Manor in Sioux Falls.
Services were Saturday, April 20, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls. Burial was in Maplewood Cemetery, Luverne.
F. Rudolf Lafrenz was born to Fritz and Bertha Lafrenz on Sept. 14, 1916, in Bluegrass, Iowa. He lived in Bluegrass until the age of 3 when he moved with his family to Luverne. He graduated from Luverne High School in 1936.
He married Viola Strassburg on Oct. 6, 1940, in Luverne. They moved to Hardwick where he raised turkeys. They lived there until 1948 when they moved to Sioux Falls. He farmed for a time and then worked as a baker at Metz Baking Company.
Mr. Lafrenz was a member of Our SaviorÕs Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls since 1948 where he helped serve coffee, served as an institutional representative for the church and was a member of Men in Mission. He helped start Boy Scout Troop #212 and was a member of Sioux Valley Optimist Club for 20 years, Elks Lodge #262 for more than 25 years, Moose Lodge #503, Moose Camping Club and the Coachman Campers Club. His hobbies included woodworking, fishing and camping.
Survivors include his wife, Viola Lafrenz, Sioux Falls; two sons, Darwin (Barbara) Lafrenz, Waconia, and Duane (Mary) Lafrenz, Lake Geneva, Wis.; nine grandchildren, Tracy Benoit, Michelle Lafrenz, Jill Sandau, Heidi Sandau, Laura Lafrenz, Robin Lafrenz, Sarah Liedtke, Larry Lafrenz and Mark Lafrenz; four great-grandchildren; and one sister, Marie Bell, Luverne.
Mr. Lafrenz was preceded in death by his parents, one sister and three brothers.
Heritage Funeral Home, Sioux Falls, was in charge of arrangements.