Arlo Friedrich

Arlo Friedrich, 82, of rural Fergus Falls, died Friday, December 23, 2011, at his home after a long battle with cancer. He was born October 9, 1929, the oldest son of Arnold and Hilda (Schmidt) Friedrich in Wright Hospital, Fergus Falls, on his grandfather Friedrich’s birthday. He was baptized and confirmed at First United Church of Christ. He was a life member of the church and served on the Church Council for 20 years. He attended school at old District 96 and Washington High School, graduating in 1947. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was a two-time All State Commander of VFW Post 612. He was a member of the Memorial Honor Guard. He worked in the automotive business for 32 years retiring in 1981 and retired again in 1991 from MidAm Dairy. On May 17, 1953, he married Elenore Swenson at Grue Church, rural Ashby, Minnesota. His family, faith, friends and farm kept him strong. Preceding him in death were his parents; grandchildren, Lillie and William Friedrich; brother, DuWayne Friedrich; brothers-in-law, Gilbert Gunderson, Erwin Siems and Frank Lundsetter; sisters-in-law, Carolyn Friedrich and Grace Siems; a niece and nephew; and two step great-grandchildren. Survivors include his wife, Elenore of Fergus Falls; children, Steven (Jeannine) Friedrich of Perham, and their daughters, Holly (Kory) Leistikow, Kristofer and Fredrick, and Carla Friedrich; Karen Friedrich of Moorhead and her daughter Eden; Jane (Jerry) Knutson of Fargo, and their children, Nicholas and Erica; Gary Friedrich of Fargo; Alan (Judy) Friedrich of Fergus Falls, and Brian (Pam) Friedrich of Moorhead and their boys, Tomas and Nathan; numerous step-grandchildren, step great-grandchildren and step great-great-grandchildren; sister, Ellen Gunderson; brother, Elwyn; sisters-in-law Delores Friedrich, Muriel (Ruben) Runningen, Lorraine (Frank) Melby, Margie (Paul) Melby and Carol (Dick) Downs; nieces, nephews, relatives, special friends including honorary son Abe Sakak and family, and a special niece, Diane Braud. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to First United Church of Christ Cemetery Fund, Lake Region HealthCare Cancer Center of Fergus Falls or the charity of your choice. Visitation: 12-2 p.m. Thursday at the church Service : 2 p.m. Thursday, December 29, 2011, at First United Church of Christ in Fergus Falls Clergy: Reverend Tom Gard Interment: First United Church of Christ Cemetery, Fergus Falls Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of the arrangements.