David Friedrich

David Alan Friedrich passed away at the age of 63 peacefully at his home on Oct. 9th, 2024.  David had been battling many health issues over the last year and a half and his body finally just said “Enough”.  We are heartbroken at our loss, but we are thankful that he’ll no longer suffer with debilitating pain nor have to endure another blood draw ever again.

He gave life a good run, along with his wife Linda (of 39 years), kids Troy (Syd Alberts), Megan (Mike Huntley), Trevor (Rachele French), and Jake (Kiley) and of course the grandkiddos who knew him only as BopBop who are Rylan (15), Lyla (7), Frankie (2), & Riggs (1)!  David loved playing with his grandkids more than anything, but he also enjoyed mowing lawns, watching Dr. Pol & Wheel of Fortune, , visiting the neighbors, working on cars with his friend Doug (back in the day), grilling out, driving around town on his scooter, playing UNO, eating red licorice & popcorn at a movie theater, spending time with family, going for car rides to explore different places with his wife, meeting old friends for meals and playing catch up, and attending every Avenger movie opening with his family since the dawn of time.  Despite the fact that he was a Chef for 40+ years, his favorite lunch consisted of a bologna sandwich & a bag of Lays potato chips & he was known for his boiled hot dogs back in the day of making meals for his kids which they brought up ‘often’.  David also was a primo ice sculptor back in his hey day and always did very elaborate ice carvings for events, not to mention his beautiful butter roses & carved watermelon centerpieces.  He leased 3 restaurants amid his chef career.  One was in Rochester called Smoky’s on 1st, one was in Millville called the Millville Cafe, and the last was in Mazeppa called Dave’s Diner.  He was famous for his delicious fish fry’s and amazing soups that were always made from scratch!  In the last year (prior to his disability) he started driving a medical van which he sincerely thrived at and would’ve made the best van driver for the next decade if it would’ve been possible. Thank you SEMCAC/Rolling Hills Transit for becoming like family to us so very quickly.

David is survived by his wife, kids, & grandkids along with his sister Sandy (Dennis) & brother Tom (Pam) and many brothers & sisters-in-law’s and nieces and nephews & friends whom he loved alot.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Luverne & Betty Friedrich, brother Jim Friedrich, Father-in-law Chuck Dahling, Mother-in-law Ardel Dahling, and brothers-in-law Eugene Paul & Roch Hannasch. He is joining an elite group of beloved characters and we know in our heart of hearts that “Grandpa Chuck” and “BopBop” will be playing lots of UNO games together!   When I hear thunder clapping from now on, I’m just going to assume that that is probably David playing a “Draw 4 Wild” card on Dad for the 8th time.  David had a great sense of humor and he had always looked forward to retirement which he never got to do, so I hope to do that for him and I will appreciate every day ‘for’ him.

A Memorial Visitation will be held Saturday, October 19th at the American Legion, 212 W. Main St., Kasson from 1-4pm where we can connect to share stories and support each other.  There was nothing that David loved more than a good ‘ol Lutheran PotLuck!