David Paul Frettinger, 84, of Rochester, was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away at 11:15 PM on Sunday , August 12, 2012 at home. Born on June 9, 1928 in Monon, David was the son of John M and Della Goodwin Frettinger. As one of nine children, he shared his childhood with three sisters and five brothers. In 1947 he graduated from Kewanna High School. David attended Frankfort College for 1 year and later went to Bethel College and earned a double major with a Bachelor of Arts degree in both Bible studies and elementary education. Later he earned a Masters degree in Education from Indiana University. David also received a Bachelor of Arts in Divinity from Grace Theological Seminary. On July 14, 1963 David and Shirley Anne Kelly were married in Niles, MI. Their union spanned over 49 years and produced four wonderful children: Steve, Nancy, Jon and Mark. The family tree flourished with the added blessings of 15 grandchildren. A lifelong farmer, David raised livestock: hogs, sheep and cows. He enjoyed turning the soil in the spring on board his big red International tractor. Many of his adult years he pastored to the spiritual needs of the congregations of the Paul's Chapel Church near Winamac, and later the Lake Bruce Community Church north of Kewanna. For 31 years David enjoyed teaching his students in the 5th and 6th grade elementary classrooms. His education career took root with the South Bend Community Schools with stints at Maple Lane School, Stuckey Elementary and Navarre Elementary. He retired from teaching with the Culver Community School System after serving at Culver, Monterey and Aubbenaubee Schools. In the early 1950's, David worked for several years at Studebaker Automotive in South Bend. While their children were growing up, David looked forward to Christmas vacation and taking the kids to Deltona, Florida for the warmth and fun in the sunshine, making it an annual event for 21 years. They watched the evolution of Disney World and enjoyed observing a couple of shuttle launching missions. Summertime brought more adventures to complete geographic exploration to places around the United States. Favorite locales include Niagara Falls, South Dakota, Alaska, Yellow Stone, and the Grand Canyon. Shirley and David once took the kids to Acapulco, Mexico. Following his retirement he an Shirley wintered in either Florida, Texas or Arizona for a number of years. Their summer vacation adventures continued as they traveled in the fifth wheel, journeying all over the U.S. David attended the Church of the Nazarene, and made frequent visits to the Senior Center keeping up with many activities. He was also active with the Farm Bureau. David is lovingly remembered by his wife Shirley, at home; 4 children: Steven Frettinger and wife Chere and their children, Rebecca, Wes, and Will of Bluffton; Nancy Kirgis and husband Tony and their daughter Sarah of Midland, MI; Jonathan Frettinger and wife Lori and their children Alyssa Shaye, Dakota, and Caleb of Uniondale; Mark Frettinger and wife Deana and their children Chelsi, Brittany, Dakota, Sierra, Caleb, Tyler, Jaden, and Raven of Rochester; two sisters-in-law: Thelma Frettinger of Rochester, and Judy and Richard Byers of Royal Center. He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 sisters: Mildred Frettinger, Hazel Darkwood, Gladys Ambrose; and 5 brothers: William Frettinger, Roy Frettinger, Frank Frettinger, Walter Frettinger and Ralph Frettinger; and a brother-in-law Virgil Darkwood and wife Edith. Interment will be in the Kewanna Citizens Cemetery.