Stanley DeFries Obituary

He will always be remembered in my heart.

Never forgotten but missed!

You both always touched my life with all of your kindness. So many wonderful memories of the both of you at first Baptist church in Ottawa. Never forgotten but dearly missed. I´m sorry I didn´t write to you sooner. Such beautiful voices in the choir memories.

Just happened to notice of your family's great loss, Alice Jo. Stan was one of the most influential persons I've had in my life. Kind and always professional in all he did. My sympathies offered as you all continue to deal with this great loss.

Stanley was genuinely one of the nicest people I ever met. He was such a cheerleader for me and my family in our business in Ottawa. He played the Piano at Rotary and I enjoyed it every time. He will be missed. A true legend.

My condolences to Dear Alice Jo, Lucky, and Paula

He was a lovely gentle sole, and I will always remember him so.

I attended Ottawa University because Dr. DeFries was there. He influenced me to be the best I could be in all things. He has left a great legacy and I know the heavenly choir is excited to have him in the choir. Our prayers and love are with the family.

Alice Jo, my most sincere condolences to you and the rest of the family. Dr. DeFries was my Freshman Core teacher in 1986 and also my first (and only) private voice teacher. I still have my love of music. I will be performing in a community theater production of Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn this coming weekend along with three of my eight kids -- all of whom are tappers. The love of the arts lives on! Bless you.

I was saddened by the news that Doc had passed away. He was a great teacher and friend to me and he will be missed. God bless his family and my he Rest In Peace with the singing angels in heaven.

My greatest sympathies on the loss of such a dear man. My mother, Carolyn (Basile) Dodds, was very blessed by this special family. Alice Jo, I bet he loves the music in heaven.

Dr DeFries your passion for music was wonderful. You made my music experience fun. May you rest in peace.

Sorry for your loss

Dr DeFries encouraged me during my choir years in 1981 - 1984. It was good to be part of the Minstrel Yule Fest in 1983 (played tecorder), 1984 Choir Tour, and as part of the Alumni Choir during Homecoming 1999.

So sorry for your loss. Doc was a special person with many talents and a great gift for motivating young people. I was honored to know him and to count him as a friend and mentor. Rest in peace dear Doc.

Stanley and Alice Jo most awesome people!! Took all the Sioux Falls students and mentored us and had us for dinner in there home every couple months at Ottawa. Special people!!! My mother Phyl back in Sioux Falls especially loved them with there time at First Baptist and Sioux Falls College.

I have fond memories of Dr. DeFries at OU. I sang in Concert Choir a couple of times and enjoyed it so much. He was a wonderful musician and a terrific Christian witness in his care and concern for all.
I pray that the love of family and friends and the peace of our Savior's promises give you comfort in the days ahead.

Alice Jo, I am so sorry to hear of Stanley's death. He was a tremendous man of God. I always loved the music that you and he made together. He will be greatly missed. The music in heaven will be greater with his presence.

I was privileged to know and work with Stan as much as anyone who was not his student or a family member. Sang in the RotoChords, played in the Ottawa Little Symphony, sang in the Community Chorus, visited with him many times at Rotary. Condolences to the entire family and all his many friends. What a great person and friend. Blessings to you all.
He is playing piano and conducting a Heavenly Choir right now.