Adam Frerichs

Dates

Obituary

Adam Frerichs, 45, of Mt. Vernon, SD, entered eternal rest Thursday, July 9, 2026, in Mt. Vernon, after enduring challenges that few could truly understand. Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 AM Tuesday, July 14, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Mitchell, with visitation one hour prior. A private family burial will be at Mt. Vernon Cemetery.

A live stream of Adam's funeral Mass can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwTzMRoOLoc

Adam Ray Frerichs was born on December 4, 1980, in Lincoln, Nebraska. He graduated from Malcolm High School in Malcolm, Nebraska, in 1999. He enlisted in the Army National Guard on November 19, 1999. Adam attended Alexandria Technical College and received his Associate of Applied Science Degree in Law Enforcement in 2004.

Adam dedicated his career to serving others. He worked for the Mitchell Police Department from 2004 to 2016, where he served as a patrol officer, field training officer, investigator, patrol sergeant and a member of the Emergency Response Unit. He was awarded the American Legion Post 18 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year in 2012. He later continued his commitment to public service with the South Dakota Department of Emergency Management.

Adam faithfully served in the military from 1999 until 2009. During his military service, Adam was deployed to Iraq with Bravo Battery, 1/147th Field Artillery from October 25, 2007, to November 12, 2008. During his deployment, he earned the Combat Action Badge. He was recognized for his honorable service with numerous military decorations, including the Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with "M" Device.

On August 1, 2009, Adam married the love of his life, McKenzie Slaba of Geddes, SD, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Mitchell, SD, and they were so excited to start their lives together. They were blessed with two children, Oakley and Maddox.

Nothing brought Adam greater joy than being a devoted father to Oakley and Maddox. He loved them immensely. Adam found so much happiness in every stage of their lives, and he created special memories through his love, encouragement, and playful spirit. Adam was incredibly proud of both of them and treasured every opportunity to watch them participate in all of their activities, whether he was cheering from the sidelines or serving as the "hype coach" for some of Maddox's teams. Adam had many roles in his life, but being Oakley and Maddox’s dad…that was the one he cherished most.

Adam valued the many friendships he built throughout his life. Adam cherished time spent on the golf course with his golf family, treasured the lasting friendships he shared with his college friends and always looked forward to their time together, anticipated his Hills hunting trips with his close friends, and genuinely appreciated and respected those who bravely served alongside him, both in law enforcement and in the military. 

Adam found life's greatest joys in the simple moments. He loved sunny days on the golf course with friends, summer afternoons at the grill, the Fourth of July with the Slaba crew, and any time spent with those he loved. He was Oakley and Maddox's biggest fan, fiercely supporting them in volleyball, football, basketball, golf, music, softball, and baseball, and proudly marking their heights on the kitchen wall as they grew. He spoiled his dogs, Ozzy and CJ, with endless pets and one too many treats, loved watching NFL games, especially cheering for the 49ers and Vikings, and was a Nebraska Cornhuskers fan. On family road trips, he sang loudly and just a little off-key, making everyone laugh. At any miniature golf course, he was certain that he had set the course record. One of Adam's greatest accomplishments was his sobriety. He was sober for three years, two months, and twenty-three days, putting his trust in God one day at a time. 

Grateful for having shared his life are his loving wife, McKenzie; daughter, Oakley; son, Maddox of Mount Vernon, SD; parents, Debbie and Roger Arrowsmith of Brandon, SD; brothers, Jeff (Elizabeth) Frerichs of Savage, MN, Spencer (Madison) Arrowsmith of Omaha, NE, and Trevor Arrowsmith of Sioux Falls, SD; mother-in-law, Rete Slaba of Geddes, SD; brothers and sisters-in-law Matt (Mieke) Slaba of Wagner, SD, April (Toby) Russell of Mitchell, SD, Joleen (Matt) Urban of Rochester, MN, and Bruce (Stephanie) Slaba of Harrisburg, SD; 9 nieces; 7 nephews; aunts, uncles, and cousins; Alex Tech boys; his Brothers of Bravo; golf family; and many treasured friends.

Adam was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Richard Slaba. 

We trust that God can use all things for good. May Adam's life remind us all to extend grace, show compassion, and choose kindness, for we never truly know the burdens another person may be carrying. 

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