John Friendt, age 93, of Hutchinson, Minn., passed away Sunday, April 29, 2012, at Hutchinson Community Hospital , Hutchinson.
A memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Sunday, May 6, at Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel, Hutchinson.
Gathering of family and friends will be one hour prior to the service Sunday at the funeral chapel.
Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery, International Falls, Minn., with military honors in late August.
Clergy officiating will be the Rev. Ane K. Fitzgerald. Guitarist performing “Grandpa” will be Sam Larson. Soloist Norm Becker will sing “The Lord’s Prayer.” Congregational hymn is “Standing On The Promises Of God.”
John Friendt was born June 30, 1918, in St. Paul, Minn., the son of John and Anna (Ebeman) Friendt.
John was baptized as an infant, and later confirmed in his faith as a youth at Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church, St. Paul.
He received his education at the St. Paul Johnson School.
John entered active military service in the United States Army on Feb. 26, 1942, and served his country during World War II. He received an Honorable Discharge on Sept. 27, 1943.
On May 4, 1963, John was united in marriage to Lillian Beck, in Southfield, Mich.
John was blessed with six children.
John and Lillian resided in International Falls, Minn., from 1965 to 2004. They later moved to Hutchinson, Minn., in 2005.
John and Lillian shared 49 years of marriage.
John was employed at Boise Cascade in International Falls, Minn., as a mill operator. He retired in 1984.
John enjoyed fishing; he was a very patient fisherman.
He enjoyed music, especially playing the harmonica and guitar.
John was an avid gardener, it gave him great pleasure watching his corn, tomatoes and cucumbers grow.
He especially cherished the time he spent with his family, grandchildren and friends.
Blessed be his memory.
John is survived by his wife, Lillian Friendt of Hutchinson, Minn.; children, Kay Ballas and her husband, Peter of Antigo, Wis., Sharon Platisha and her husband, Chuck of Hutchinson, Minn.; Steve Friendt of Hutchinson, Minn.; Jeff Friendt and his wife, Mary of Ogden, Utah; Kathy Chalupnik and her husband, Ken of Surprise, Ariz.; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and many other relatives and friends.
John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Anna Friendt; first wife, Roseanna Jean (Ashleg) Friendt; and son, John Allen Friendt.
John was the last survivor of 11 siblings; brothers and sisters.
The family welcomes everyone to a luncheon at Sharon and Chuck’s home, 339 Fifth Ave. SW, Hutchinson, immediately following the service.
Arrangements are by Dobratz-Hantge Chapel, Hutchinson.
Online Obituaries and Guest Book available at www.hantge.com. Please click on Obituaries/Guest Book.
