Richard Friedl

On January 21 Richard “Dick” Friedl passed into eternal life at the age of 92, succumbing to the debilitating effects that Covid left behind. Richard was born in Saint Paul, MN on January 14, 1929 to Richard Friedl and Gertrude (Zientek) Friedl. He attended St. Bernard’s Grade School and Washington High School. In 1947 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Panama to help guard the Panama Canal.  After his discharge in 1949, he took employment with West Publishing Company (Thomson Reuters) working in the press room operating the printing presses until his retirement in 1988. On September 15, 1951 Richard married Mary Louise Peltier and in 1957 moved the family to their home on Western Avenue, on the North End (Rice Street) of St. Paul. In 1997 they moved to Inver Grove Heights. In 2015 he moved into Westwood Ridge Senior Living and in November 2019 into Woodlyn Heights Senior Living Center.

Richard was an active member of the St. Bernard’s Men’s Club, working at their many fund-raising events for the parish schools. He enjoyed the annual fishing trips they sponsored. He was an active member of the American Legion MN Post 577. He held several offices with the local chapter of the Catholic Order of Foresters.

Richard’s biggest joy was his family, especially when they gathered around his abundantly laden holiday table. He is survived by his four children, Father Thomas Friedl of Park Rapids, MN; James Fried, Sr (Kathleen) of McGregor, MN; Catherine Remackel (Matt) of W St. Paul; and Margaret Trupe (Dave) of Ellsworth, MN; 11 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and his brothers, Larry and David. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Louise.

Mass of the Resurrection will be privately celebrated by immediate family at St. Bernard’s Church on Wednesday, January 27. Interment will be later at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.