Obituary: Frye

John David Frye, 62, of Chatsworth, died at 9:53am, Sunday, August 10th at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO.

Visitation will be 4 to 8 pm, Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury; and one hour prior to the funeral on Thursday at the church in Chatsworth.

Funeral mass will be 11am, Thursday, August 14, 2025 at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Chatsworth with Monsignor Eric Powell officiating. Burial will follow the service in Saint Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery, Chatsworth. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family of John D. Frye.

John was born December 8th, 1962 in Normal; a son to David and Patricia (McGreal) Frye. He married Laura Rath on August 7, 1982 in Chatsworth. His wife, Laura survives in Chatsworth. His father Dave, preceded him in death on October 18, 2002.

Other survivors include his children, Brad (Karen) Frye of Carlock; Nikki Frye of Fairbury; one sister, Dawn (Kurt) Hobart of Chatsworth; his mother, Patricia Frye of Chatsworth; mother and father in-law, John and Delores Rath of Fairbury; two grandchildren, Ethan & Emilie Frye of Carlock; brother in-law, Tim (Lisa) Rath of Florida; nephews, Patrick & Payton Hobart, TJ (Vanessa) Rath and niece, Alissa (Travis) Hutson.

John graduated from Chatsworth High School in 1981. He later took the reins of Dave’s Tire & Alignment, the family business founded by his parents, Dave and Patricia. Continuing the tradition, his son Brad eventually joined him in the shop, keeping the legacy alive. Beyond work, John’s heart was always with his family and friends. Whether coaching his children in their activities or lending a hand as the family grew, he was a constant source of support and love.

He cherished adventures with friends, always eager to discover new places and make lasting memories. He loved racing of any kind, but John found immense joy in watching his grandson Ethan compete in go-kart races—moments that filled him with pride as a papa and created shared lasting family memories. He equally treasured every game, competition, and performance involving his children and grandchildren, celebrating their passions as if they were his own.

John was a big man with an even bigger heart, always giving of himself doing whatever he could to be of help to anyone in need.  His easy-going spirit and shit eating grin will be missed by all who knew and loved him.