Charles Lee (Charlie) Fried, age 85, passed away on February 1, 2023, at the Seasons Hospice House in Rochester, MN.
Charlie was born on April 26th, 1937 to Henphen and Ellenore Fried, and grew up on the farm outside of Lindstrom, MN with his parents, his brother Marlin, and uncle Harold. In addition to helping on the farm, he participated in 4-H and Boy Scouts where he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He received a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Minnesota in 1960, which is where he met his future wife Iris, whom he married shortly after graduating. He started his career at Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids Iowa and in 1965 he joined IBM in Rochester, where he worked for nearly 30 years. Charlie and Iris lived in Rochester MN until 1977 when they moved to Oronoco MN, where they lived for 40 years. They spent the last five years at the Waters on Mayowood in Rochester.
During his time at IBM, Charlie returned to school and earned an MBA. After retiring from IBM he worked for the University of Michigan Office of Minority Engineering Students and taught economics and management classes for St. Mary’s University. He was an avid environmentalist and lover of nature, a founding member of the local Sierra Club chapter, and volunteered with the local Nature Conservancy. He loved trout fishing, camping, hiking, and cross-country skiing. He was also dedicated to getting others involved in the outdoors. As a boy scout leader for many years, he introduced hundreds of scouts to the joys of the outdoors and helped nearly 100 young men to earn Eagle Scout designations. He also taught his daughters to love the outdoors, taking them on many canoeing, skiing, and camping adventures starting as soon as they could walk. In Oronoco, he served on the Planning and Zoning Commission and on the Parks Committee. He was also a member of the U of M President’s Club.
Charlie is proceeded in death by his parents and Iris, his beloved wife of 62 years, who passed away this past August. He is survived by his daughters Colleen Fried (and wife Amy Lukes) and Carrie Fried, his brother Marlin Fried, and many dear friends. He will be remembered as being a loving and supportive husband and father, and a kind and caring man to all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Seasons Hospice, 1696 Greenview Dr SW, Rochester, MN 55902. A celebration of life will be held from 1:15-3:45 February 25, 2023 at 125 Live, 125 Elton Hills Dr, Rochester, MN 55901
Memories and condolences of Charlie may be shared at rochestercremationservicesmn.com
Our thoughts and prayers are with you ladies going through a sad time with the loss of your awesome Dad. He is with your Mom again and he no longer is suffering with pain.
His smile is priceless and he definitely will be remembered for all he has given to so many people.
Lots of Love
Lucy & Paul
I met Charlie as the youngest member of the annual Mahkwa fishing trip the included Charlie, Floyd, Merle, Dave, Gene, John, and Jim. I was the youngest of the troop (mid 30’s!!!) and honored to be included in the group. Charlie was awesome…he passed along knowledge, great stories, and I looked up to him for his fishing/ outdoor skills and more importantly, how he treated everyone along the way. I will miss him and I’m a better person because of him… I can’t think of a better legacy and hope to live up to the same.
Charlie and I were students at Chi-Hi grades 1 thru 12. We reconnected some years ago when he brought Joe Long to LaCrescent. Joe was also in the class of 55 and in late stages of his life. I was always indebted to Charlie for doing this very kind act. Typical of Charlie. I don’t know if I will be able to attend on the 25th as I don’t travel well, but I hope to try. We were also fortunate to visit with Charlie & Iris many times during the last few years, thanks in large part to Floyd’s kindnesses. Lowell peterson
I was a high school classmate and I share many fond memories with Charlie. Once Charlies Dad told us that if we put salt on a rabbits tail the rabbit would stop and we would have rabbit stew. Charlie and I ran and ran with salt shakers trying to but salt on a rabbits tail. No luck but we were out of the way for the adults and we got plenty of exercise. I’m sure the adults had a good laugh. Good memories!!
Colleen and Carrie,
So sorry for your loss of your Dad recently and your Mom in August. They were so kind to me now many years ago. I have fond memories of your Mom’s bars, pickles and spirited card games. Your Dad always welcomed me warmly into your home, shared his Leinenkugels with me and showed great patience as I was learning how to cross country ski.
Charlie took me out for my first outing in the Blufflands and saved my life when I was drowning in the BWCA. We also took several other great canoe outings in the US and Canada. But more than that, he was just a great guy who always had a smile when I’d see him. I’m sorry that I didn’t hear he was in hospice until it was too late. But his memory will be with me always.
Very sorry for your loss. I missed Charlie when he and Iris moved to The Waters. He and I served on the Oronoco Parks Committee for several years. We worked on many projects in the town. I always valued his wisdom and advice. When the food shelf began operating, Charlie was one of the first volunteers showing great concern for the folks that visited the food shelf. His dry humor was always welcome . He will be missed on this planet.
Thanks to Charlie and Iris for all their support and guidance.
Thanks to you and your family
They have inspired and motivated me
Thanks and prayers for you and your family
Love you and support you
Paul
I’m so sorry for your loss! I have fond memories of Charlie as a child from my mom and family when I’d go to my great unit Elenor’s and great uncle Hemphen’s home and various family functions. I know he and my mom were close growing up. Prayers for you all!