On March 30th 2021, Elmer Arthur Fricke passed away peacefully at home with his beloved wife, Betty, by his side.

He was born in Pittsburgh,Pennsylvania. The son of Marion Voight Fricke, his Mom, who was his sense of strength and his Father Elmer H. Fricke, whom he considered not only his father but his best friend.

He had fond memories of washing clothes with his Mom and his siblings. He remembered going to the movies with his oldest sister Mary Lou Cikovic and she was his protector. She was followed by his sister Lorraine, then after himself came Robert Fricke and then his brother Bill and then brother Rich. Followed by Ronald Thomas and his sister Jerry Fricke which were also always on his mind.

His love for the U.S.A. led him to his many years in service for our great country. He joined the U.S. Navy in September of 1954 working as an aircraft electrician stationed at Sanford, FL. There he was attached to VAH-7 heaven attack squadron attached to the USS Intrepid aircraft carrier on a Mediterranean cruise. Later he was stationed at the US Naval Air station in Jacksonville, Fl. He was then discharged from the Navy on September 27 ^th 1958.

He then enlisted into the United States Air Force and was first stationed in Myrtle Beach, SC. He was attached to the 354 ^th tactical fighter squadron where he traveled throughout Europe, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, and all around the United States. He then transferred to the 56 ^th Weather squadron at the Yokata Air Base in Fussa, Japan. He worked in the instrument shop and traveled throughout the Far East. After 3 years in Japan, he then transferred to Travis Air Force base to work in the instrument shop where he serviced many different models of aircraft including C124, C133, C141, and the C5s.

It was during his tour at Travis Air Force base, he met the greatest love of his life. He saw her across the dance floor and knew instantly she was the one. He loved her the moment he first laid his eyes on her and it was what he considered the greatest day of his life. Shortly after meeting her he did a short stint in Germany for 30 days and spent the whole time thinking about her. She went on a short trip to Texas to visit family. He was afraid he had lost his opportunity forever. "The big fish that got away." But he did find her when he got back and they went out to eat together at a local restaurant. He remembered fondly talking to her until the wee hours of the morning and all the while meeting family member after family member as they walked into the restaurant. Not scared off they would soon start a relationship that would last for more than 50 years.

Shortly after marrying in July of1971, he was then transferred to Norton Air Force base in Southern California where he worked on C141s as the Shop Chief and left his lovely wife and children for one year. While there, he received another set of orders to Karot,Thailand. He spent his time there as a Shop Chief in the instrument shop working on A7, F4, F105, C130, and B66s. He spent the last 10 years of service working in support of the Vietnam Conflict supplying cargo, personnel and fighter support. He then finally retired from service with USAF while stationed at Travis Air Force base in September of 1974.

After his military career came to an end, he then spent 2 years at Solano College and ended up as an instructor's aid on TV repair. He had a fondness for technology and a passion for electronics that lasted his entire life. This passion led him to apprenticeships in electronics and that led him to start working on Electronic Organs. He then decided, with help from his soulmate, to start B&B Organ Service. He would go on to repairing both church and home electronic organs all throughout the Bay Area and Sacramento for over 20 years. He then decided to retire from service work in 1999.

And so began the part of his life where he traveled throughout the world with his favorite gal by his side. Whether it be through Europe or Asia they would travel together and make the most of every country the visited, making friends in Germany and every stop. They made many trips to Hawaii and enjoyed shopping at their favorite shops and sightseeing. They also spent many trips with loved ones and to loved ones, traveling all across the United States.

A lot of their travelling was done in their RV, which they loved to do, but especially when they were able to travel while doing their shared passion for Square Dancing. Square Dancing with his true love was a favorite pastime. Swinging his partner in life while wearing their fancy outfits was an experience they cherished for many years.

He had a joy of reading. Often reading political espionage novels by his favorite authors. He kept a list of all the books he read as a record of his accomplishments.

Never one to take himself too seriously, he was always willing to dress up for Halloween especially to show off his great sense of humor. Whether he was dressing up as a clown, or vampire, or even Moses one year, he liked to have fun especially with his grandkids around any and every holiday.

But one thing for him meant everything…….Family.

His family started with his children. Deborah and Jim Scanlan, Buddy and Jan Fricke, Steven Fricke and Chris Roberts, Ron Fricke and Leslie Fricke, and Ron and Susan Smith. All of which he was grateful for and always was happy to have them together to enjoy.

Then came his Grandchildren, Eric and Amanda Smith, Brian Smith, Patrick and Stephanie Scanlan, Kristina Scanlan, Dylan Fricke, Grant Poncy, and Tyler and Holly Poncy.

Then finally his Great Grandchildren Victoria Smith, Indiana and Wyatt Smith, Jaxon and Jamison Poncy, Kipp, Owen and Hudson Poncy, and Chance Scanlan.

His family was everything to him and his hope was they would stay together and continue to grow the family all while never forgetting to keep the family together.

He was known as Bud to most who knew him, he was known as Dad to some, and he was known as Poppy by many and all loved him very very much.

A Mass of Christian burial will take place at 11 am Thursday, April 8 ^th at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, 2700 Dover Ave. Prior to the mass, a viewing will take place from 9 to 10 am at Vaca Hills Chapel, 524 Elmira Rd. Vacaville. He will be laid to rest following the mass at Fairmont Memorial Park 1901 Union Ave. Fairfield with immediate family only.