Stephen D. Friese

Stephen D. Friese, 82, of Stewartville, MN died of natural causes at home surrounded by his wife and children on Wednesday, August 3, 2022.

Steve was born on  February 22, 1940, in Red Wing, MN to Walter and Reba (Ross) Friese. He grew up in Red Wing, attending school there, graduating from Red Wing H.S. in 1958.  Steve was married on March 8, 1959, in Red Wing, MN to Hope Schendel. Following their marriage, the couple lived in Red Wing. 

Steve was employed in marketing and sales for agricultural products as well as in the food industry.  His career allowed him to do extensive travel as well as live in Wyoming, Colorado, and Alaska.  He took a break in 1973 and with his wife and children went to Three Hills Alberta, Canada for a year at Prairie Bible School. He came home and finished his sales and marketing career working for Upper Lakes Food in Cloquet, MN.  Steve and Hope moved from Northern Minnesota to Stewartville in 2005.

Although Steve was a hard worker and had a successful career, he was most proud of his relationship with Jesus Christ and his marriage of 63 years.  Steve came to a watershed moment in his life on April 30, 1970, when he became fully aware of his need to turn from a life focused on himself to living fully devoted to Jesus Christ.  This decision to receive God's gift of salvation, repent of his sins and invite Jesus to be his Lord and Savior not only gave him a new life it also saved his marriage. His decision has forever impacted the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who also are followers of Jesus Christ.  Throughout his life, Steve served in multiple capacities in the local church. Most recently, he was a member of   High Forest Community Church in High Forest, MN.

Steve dearly loved his wife and the special family time with his children. He would pray for them continually.  Steve is survived by his wife - Hope Friese of Stewartville; daughter Dawn Friese of Palmer, Alaska; son Peter and Celeste Friese of Laurel, Montana; son Paul and Jenna Friese of Wasilla, Alaska; son Matthew and Noelle Friese of Coffeyville, Kansas; Grandchildren - Shannon (Michael) Goerdt,  Rick (Tori) Friese, Ryan Friese, Bethany (Dre') Cabreras, Adam (Jennifer) Friese, Matthew (Heidi) Friese, Anthony (Nicole) Friese, Hans Friese, Annika Friese, Tyler Friese, Isaac Friese, Samuel Friese, Hope Friese, Elianna Friese; and 10 Great Grandchildren.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Reba Friese; sister Sherry Barger; Father-in-law Larry Schendel; mother-in-law Helen Sabean Schendel; brothers-in-law, Mike Schendel, and Daniel Schendel and sister-in-law Karen Nybo.

The Memorial Service for Stephen will take place on Saturday (August 6, 2022) at High Forest Community Church in High Forest, Mn with Rev. Matt Friese and Rev. Marcus Quam officiating. A time of visitation for family and friends will be held at 10:00 AM with the service at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 6, 2022.  Aprivate family burial will take place at a later date.  Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray F.H. in Stewartville. The family requests that instead of flowers, donations be sent directly to  Seasons Hospice, Rochester, MN, Condolences and memories of  Stephen are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com

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