Dr. Stephen L. Fricke's Obituary
Dr. Stephen L. Fricke, 71, passed away on January 16, 2018 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Steve was themiddle child born on November 14, 1946 to Charles and Luana Fricke and grew up in Tulsa,graduating from Tulsa Memorial High School in 1965. After his college years at NortheasternState University in Tahlequah, he moved to Memphis Tennessee where he studied to become anoptometrist at Southern School of Optometry, opening his practice in Jenks, Oklahoma on MainStreet upon graduation. He later was affiliated with Hill Vision and their satellite office inSapulpa. His first optometry office in Jenks on Main Street was in a shared building complexwith Dave Puckett of State Farm Insurance and John Gerkin, who at the time was the cityattorney for Jenks. He continued to be a resident of Jenks throughout his career and since hisretirement just a few months ago. Steve was active in the Jenks community, Jenks Public Schools, Chamber of Commerce,Neighbor for Neighbor, Lion’s Club, and The Cherokee Nation as he was extremely proud of hisIndian heritage from his mother. He often attended regularly meetings and pow wows to stayinformed and promote the initiatives of this tribe. Steve is survived by his wife, Marie, of the home, two sons, Ryan (Nancy) Fricke of GrandJunction, Colorado and Evan Fricke of Durango, Colorado. In addition, Steve leaves 2 siblings,Mike (Linda) Fricke of Clinton, Arkansas and Patti (Chuck) Pitcock of Broken Arrow,Oklahoma. He also leaves behind 3 adorable granddaughters, Ava, Kate and Claire of GrandJunction, Colorado, who he loved dearly. Other special family members include his cousinsfrom the Foster family. Steve, in recent years had become a University of Tulsa fan, attending all the basketball andfootball games with his sister, Patti and husband, Chuck. He truly enjoyed his association withthe Golden Hurricane Club and meeting several players and hearing their stories. Steve enjoyedall sports and loved music as well. He was an accomplished drummer “in his time” and couldalso been seen on the basketball court through his school years and during men’s leagues.Steve left us abruptly and without preparation, but filled his life with helping others, making newand keeping old friends, serving in the medical field, going to flea markets, and perusingantiques and estate sales. He stayed busy with life’s demands, but always kept family in hisfocus, especially his sons. Ryan and Evan were his whole heart. He relished being able to bewith them as they grew and moved away. Steve requested no services. He also requested cremation after his body was made available toLIFESHARE OF OKLAHOMA, which is an organization that is an organ, eye, and tissuerecovery organization. We are proud that Steve chose this avenue to possibly save others’ livesduring their health challenges. Cremation handled by Floral Haven Funeral Home of BrokenArrow, Oklahoma. Fly high, Doc Fricke! See you again someday!
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