Doris Frese

Doris Irene Frese (Hilligas) passed away on April 5, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was a wife, a mother, a grandmother, sister, aunt and lifelong friend to many. It’s impossible to sum up Doris’ life in a few short words, but we’ll try.

She was born on May 15, 1943, to John and Carrie (Loschen) Hilligas in Chelsea, Iowa, the 8th of 10 children. She attended Chelsea School, graduating in 1961. Although she was “kicked out” of the choir, for her inability to carry a tune, it was there she developed her love for sports. As a member of the Chelsea RedHawks, she was voted Most Valuable Woman’s Basketball Player. She had a career high, just short of 3000 points. She batted 500 for their softball team.

Following graduation in 1961, she attended the American Institute of Business in Des Moines. She moved to Cedar Rapids and worked for Collins Radio. She later moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin and worked for Allen Bradley. She met her future husband, Larry Frese and they moved to his hometown of Thorp, where they were married on July 10, 1971.

In 1973, she and Larry moved back to her hometown of Chelsea, purchasing the home she grew up in. They owned and operated the Silver Dollar Sports Bar and Grill for 46 years while they raised their three children.

It was her friendly smile and quick wit that soon made her a Chelsea icon. She was known to tell a joke or play a silly prank on those least suspecting. As a tavern owner, she made sure everyone who came in was well taken care of with a cold beverage or a homemade burger. To the youngsters, she was known to slip them a jar of quarters to play the racing-car machine or a hand them a bottle of pop. She always went above-and-beyond to help those in need and exhibited a sense of respect for those she met regardless of one’s background. She made one feel good, no matter if it was being there in the time of need, sharing a word of encouragement, a hug or a joke to lighten their load.

She served on the school board, the Chelsea Community Council and was instrumental in building the fire station and city ball park. She was often seen mowing lawns and watering flowers throughout Chelsea. She was dedicated to the veterans, donating her time to support them.

We will miss her laugh, her smile, her jokes, her unconditional love. There was only one Doris Frese, and her legacy will live on.

Doris leaves her husband Larry, of 52 years, who loved her as much at the end of her life as he did when they first fell in love, children: Tracey, Emmet, Dorothy (Marybeth), grandchildren: Bo, Olivia, McKenna and Dalton, her sisters Nancy and Frances. She is proceeded by her parents, siblings Virginia, Johnny, Earl, Merle, Calvin, Elsie and Dorothy. Her father-in-law, Emmet Frese and sisters-in-law Joann Dollen and Corrine Frese.

A visitation will be held Friday, April 12, 2024, from 4 pm- 7 pm at Hrabak-Neuhaus Funeral Home, Belle Plaine. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 1 pm at Chelsea Community Center. storytelling and luncheon to follow. Hawkeye (black and gold) attire is encouraged. In lieu of flowers, the family will be establishing an academic scholarship in Doris’s name. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.neuhausfuneralservice.com.