Ida J. Frey

Ida Joann (Rewerts) Frey, 102, of Cedar Falls, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 29, 2025, at Bickford Senior Living, with her daughter at her side. She died of natural causes.

Ida was born on November 28, 1922, in Ackley, the daughter of Jerry and Ramie (Johnson) Rewerts. She attended rural school, graduated from Dumont High School in 1940, and later studied at Central College in Pella. She taught school for a number of years in both Iowa and Wisconsin. From an early age, Ida's faith was shaped by her parents and her church, Washington Reformed Church in Ackley, where she made a personal commitment to follow Jesus Christ as her Savior.

On February 8, 1946, she married the love of her life, John C. Frey of Aplington, who had recently returned from service in the South Pacific during World War II. Following their marriage, they moved to Pella, where John completed his studies at Central College and Ida continued teaching. Their home quickly became a gathering place for campus Bible studies. After John's graduation, the couple moved to Holland, Michigan, where he attended Western Theological Seminary and was ordained into ministry in 1951. Together, John and Ida served more than five Reformed Churches throughout Illinois, Wisconsin, and Iowa. In 1986, they retired to Cedar Falls. Reflecting on her life, Ida wanted people to know that, "I loved the ministry and loved people, so it was a privilege to be in the ministry with my precious husband. I always was so empowered by his messages and encouraged him as we served 34 years in full-time ministry and then into retirement at Orchard Hill Church."

Ida was active in the Reformed Church Women's Ministries at both the Classis and Synod levels. In 1973, she chaired the Great Commission Prayer Crusade in Oskaloosa, helping to establish more than 26 community prayer groups, many of which continue to this day. She loved music and using her musical gifts, playing piano and organ 'by ear' and directing choirs for church services. She was a sought-after speaker and leader for women's spiritual retreats, prayer gatherings, World Day of Prayer events, and countless church and community programs. She and John also led group tours throughout the United States and Europe, a tradition Ida continued for more than a decade after his passing in 1997. As a volunteer at Sartori Hospital gift shop, she also gave support to patients through prayer. Even in later years, Ida remained active in ministry, participating in Orchard Hill Church's "Care and Connect" outreach, calling on home-bound people, and leading community Women's Bible Studies until her health no longer allowed.

She had a gift for hospitality, welcoming people into her home well into her centenarian years. She delighted in entertaining, decorating for the holidays, tending her flower garden and finding joy in the simple beauty of spotting cardinals outside her window. The Green Bay Packer flag, flying proudly in her backyard, declared her lifelong loyalty as a Packer Backer.

Her deep faith shaped every aspect of her life. She was a devoted student of Scripture, an avid journaler and a faithful intercessor, filling boxes with prayer journals. She encouraged others through handwritten letters and cards, always including an uplifting message or poem, and often prayed with friends and loved ones over the phone. It was easy for her to give to people. Her passion was to help others follow Jesus, and she shared her faith both publicly and personally wherever she went.

Above all, Ida cherished her family. Though separated by distance, she remained closely connected through visits and frequent conversations. Her greatest joy was knowing that her family loves and serves the Lord. Ida lived her life with joy, faith, and purpose, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Ida will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her daughter, Karen (John) Zilen of Chattanooga, Tennessee; five grandchildren, Tamara (Brian) Dean, Amy (Jesse) Rudy, Erik (Lauren) Zilen, Matthew (Stephanie) DeKock, and Katie (Eric) Parkhurst; 12 great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Rev. John Frey; daughter, Kathy (Ron) DeKock; three brothers, William (Marian), Paul (Bernice) and Raymond (Ruth) Rewerts; and sister, Annetta (Ron) Gerdes.

A visitation will be held at the Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home in Cedar Falls from 4-6pm on Friday, September 12, 2025. Ida's funeral will be held at Orchard Hill Church in Cedar Falls on Saturday, September 13, at 10:30am, with visitation an hour prior. Please join the family for lunch following Ida's funeral at the church followed by her graveside service at Pleasant View Cemetery in Aplington at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial contributions to Cedar Falls Bible Conference and Samaritan's Purse . Visit www.dahlfuneralhome.com to share condolences with the family.

Please click the following to view a special video from Ida's 100th Birthday: A Tribute to Ida's Life

To view a recording of Ida's funeral service, please click the following link: Ida's Service of Celebration