Published on May 14, 2025 9:37 am
Last Updated on May 14, 2025 9:37 am
Donald R. Friese, 91, of Stewardson, IL, passed away at 2:28 p.m. Monday, May 12, 2025, in Lakeland Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, Effingham, IL.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 19, 2025, in Stewardson Cemetery, Stewardson, IL, with Rev. David Weaver officiating. Immediately following the graveside service, a luncheon will be held at the Stewardson Community Building. Family and friends are invited to attend the service and the meal. Arrangements are by Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Strasburg, IL. Memorials may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church or Trinity Lutheran School, both in Stewardson, IL.
Donald was born on April 28, 1934, in Shelby County, IL, the son ofIrvin and Ruby (Beals) Friese. He confirmed his Christian faith on April 10, 1949, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Stewardson, IL. Donald graduated from Stewardson-Strasburg High School in the Class of1952. He married Lela E. Mulvaney on October 30, 1952, and they had two children, Brad and Ellen. Donald was the parts manager at Tate Farm Equipment in Stewardson, IL until his retirement. He enjoyed playing sports in his younger years and later coaching youth boys baseball and girls softball. Donald was an avid quail and rabbit hunter and loved raising and training his own hunting dogs. He spent countless hours on their Rocky 38 property with his dogs, riding horses, and spending time with friends and family. He was a man of integrity and instilled in his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren a love ofnature and faith in God. Donald was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Stewardson, IL, where he served in various positions on the church council, including many years as an elder.
Donald is survived by his wife, Lela of Stewardson, IL: daughter, Ellen Friese of Stewardson, IL; daughter-in-law, Arlene Friese of Strasburg, IL: three grandchildren, Dawn Meinhart (Steve) of Island Grove, IL, Brock Friese (Krystal) of Mode, IL, and Kurt Friese (Bridgitte) of Strasburg, IL; and nine great grandchildren, Nathan, Josie, and Ben Meinhart, Alaira, Mya, and Kalia Friese and Noah, Brielle, and Finn Friese.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Irvin and Ruby Friese; son, Brad Friese; and three brothers, Eugene Friese (Arlene), Kenneth Friese (Sandra), and Dwight Friese (Nola).
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