Merle "Moe" Frech, age 85, of O'Fallon, Ill., born June 16, 1935 in Lenzburg, Ill., passed away Sunday evening, June 6, 2021, at Memorial Hospital, Belleville, Ill.

Moe grew up in New Athens, where as a young paper boy, loved his community. He maintained his strong ties to his New Athens' roots and lifelong friends throughout his life. Moe worked for 40 years for the former Weyerhaeuser Co. (International Paper), in Belleville. He loved spending time with his family, especially when the kids and grandkids would join him around the table for dinner. Moe was a friend of Bill for 32 years. The family is especially grateful to Memorial Hospital's ICU team, for the kindness and compassion shown to Moe and his family during his illness.

He was preceded in death by his parents Edwin and Lorena, nee Beinart, Frech; brother Delmar Frech; sister Delores Stevenson; son Michael Zrenner; and son-in-law Robin Brewster.

He is survived by his wife Rita, nee Schmittling, Frech, of O'Fallon; and children Rose Stock, Dottie Brewster, and Dennis Zrenner; grandchildren Bradley (Alyssa) Stock, Elizabeth Stock, Bryan Stock, Tyler (Lauren) Schwarz, Austin Brewster, Shawn Campton, Zachariah Hoffstetter; great-grandson Slade Stock; nieces Carla Lake and Lynette Ashmore; nephews Douglas, Bruce, Norman and Darrin Frech, and Curt Stevenson; and sister-in-law Shirley Frech.

Memorials donations are suggested to St. Nicholas Catholic Church. The online guest book and video tribute are available at www.wfh-ofallon.com .

The family will receive friends from 10:00 – 11:15 am, Friday, June 11, 2021 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, O'Fallon. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 am, Friday, at the church, with Msgr. William J. Hitpas presiding.