William H. Friedrich

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Thursday, March 11, 1926
Date of Death:
Friday, February 26, 2016
Age:
89 years old

Visitation

Date: Tuesday March 01, 2016
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]

Second Visitation

Date: Wednesday March 02, 2016
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Location: Bethel Lutheran Church [ view map ]

Funeral Service

Date: Wednesday March 02, 2016
Time: 11:00 am

Location: Bethel Lutheran Church [ view map ]

Burial

Location: Grandview Memorial Gardens [ view map ]

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Thursday, March 11, 1926
Date of Death:
Friday, February 26, 2016
Age:
89 years old
Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Thursday, March 11, 1926
Date of Death:
Friday, February 26, 2016
Age:
89 years old

William H. Friedrich

William Herbert Friedrich, 89, of rural Chatfield, died Friday, February 26, 2016, at Maple Manor Nursing Home in Rochester, where he had resided for the past three years.
Bill was born March11, 1926, on a farm north of Dover, Minn., to Gladys and William Friedrich. When he was young, his family moved to a farm in Marion Township, where Bill grew up. In his early years, he farmed with horses. He attended Burr Oak School.
Bill served in the Army in World War II and was wounded in action in the South Pacific. He was among the first U.S. soldiers into Hiroshima, Japan, after the atomic bomb was dropped. Following the war, he returned to farm with his parents.
On May 22, 1948, Bill married Marion Margaret Pagel of Marion, Minn., at Bethel Lutheran Church in Rochester and were happily married for 67 years. She survives. They farmed with Bill’s parents until moving in 1950 to a farm near Chatfield, where they farmed together until retiring. Bill had a strong sense of land stewardship and was twice named Olmsted County Conservation Farmer of the Year. In addition to farming, Bill did soil conservation work, and the terraces and dams he built can be seen on farms throughout Olmsted County and the surrounding area. Bill also had a love of flying, and he got his private pilot’s license after getting out of the service. He rebuilt two small airplanes, and for many years flew them off a landing strip on his farm. In his later years, he enjoyed building and flying radio-controlled airplanes. Bill had a wonderful, sense of humor that will be missed.
Survivors in addition to Marion include his children, Arthur (Faye) of Marion, Karen (Chris) Frye, and Allen (Tammy), both of rural Chatfield; five grandchildren, Amy (Jacob Slosberg) Frye of Mount Vernon Wash., Adam (Ladia Albertson-Junkans) Frye of Seattle, Wash., and Justin, Hannah and Noah Friedrich, all of rural Chatfield; and his brother, Donald (Betty) of rural Rochester.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00am Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Rochester, with the Rev. Norman Wahl officiating. Burial will be in Grandview Memorial Gardens with military honors provided by the American Legion Post 92. Visitation will be 5:00pm to 8:00pm Tuesday in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester, and at the church for one hour prior to the service.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com

Condolences

The family of William H. Friedrich has received the following condolences.

Though I live away from Minnesota, it still looms large in my life.  That is in large part due to family I knew there and family who are still there.  As I grew up I found my uncle Bill to be a strong but gentle man, an intelligent soul with determination and humor.  I learned from him, and will always treasure my memories of times with him on his farm.  My deep sympathies to all his family -- I hope you have many many warm memories that always remain with you -


Henry Noer(enberg), Boston

Our thoughts and prayers to Marion, Al and the rest of Bill's family.   We always enjoyed our 'little chats' with Marion and Bill when we had reason to stop at the shop while Goodie was working for Al and Shane always thought of Bill as a grandpa figure in his life and Bill was willing to teach 'methods' to Shane as well.  Rest in peace Bill, as your hard working days are over and there are great memories of your time here!   God Bless

My heart is sadden and all of you are in my thoughts and prayers. I have so many wonderful memories from all my years growing up. Will always remember his laugh and trying to teach me to play 500. Going on plane rides and other things on the farm. My deepest sympathies are with you all. Love and hugs Salli

 


This is a note of comfort for your family during your time of grief.  Death is an enemy that will be a thing of the past as brought out in the Holy Scriptures.  Isaiah 25:8


I would like to extend my sincere condolences. 

Our deepest sympathy. We will keep all of your family in our thoughts and prayers. May all your memories bring you peace and strength.


Shirleen (Heide)Jackson

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