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Submitted: 9/1/24 • Approved: 9/19/24 • Last Updated: 9/22/24 • R276153-G276153-S3
LeRoy William Friese
December 23, 1941 - May 29, 2021
Sioux Falls, SD ~ LeRoy “Lee” William Friese, age 79, died on Saturday, May 29, 2021 at his home in Sioux Falls, SD. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 3, 2021 at Grace Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, SD. Visitation will be held on Wednesday at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory in Sioux Falls, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
LeRoy William Friese was born on December 23, 1941 to Adolph and Elsie (Gust) Friese in Fargo, North Dakota. He was raised and received his education in Fargo, graduating from West Fargo High School in 1960. Following high school, Lee enlisted into the United States Army and was stationed in Germany serving in Company C 508th Military Police Unit from 1961 until his honorable discharge in 1963.
Lee then returned to North Dakota and continued his education at North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, ND. Lee earned his associates of science degree in architectural drafting. Lee then made his home in Sioux Falls, SD and accepted a job at Fritzel, Kroeger, Griffin & Berg Architects. While at FKG&B, a co-worker invited Lee to a First Lutheran Church College and Career Club meeting where Lee met the love of his life in Evelyn “Evie” Bartling. Lee and Evie were united in marriage on April 27, 1968 at Augustana Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, SD. This union would last over 53-years and blessed with three sons, Darrin, Bill and Greg. Lee was a proud father and was honored to serve as a scout leader and softball coach for many years. He also cherished camping with his family nearly every weekend.
Lee was also a proud grandfather to his two grandsons Jacob and Joshua. He enjoyed many trips to Fargo and West Fargo to be there for all their important events.
Lee’s working career included nearly 18-years at Gage Brothers, SEA and Omnicare. He spent over 37-years in architectural drafting, before his retirement in 2004.
In 2007, Lee and Evie attended the 508th Military Reunion in Branson, MO. The couple then attended this event for the next 12-years, looking forward to the trip every year.
In his retirement years, Lee and Evie did extensive traveling, and spent much of their winter months in Mesa, Arizona with family and friends. In 2016, the family took a very special cruse to the Bahamas.
Lee enjoyed playing cards with his family and friends, camping, bowling, watching the History Channel and working in his yard. He also enjoyed the companionship of his three Golden Retrievers, Rusty, Max and Dakota.
Lee was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend who will be deeply missed.
Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Evelyn “Evie” Friese, Sioux Falls, SD; three sons, Darrin Friese of West Fargo, ND, Bill Friese of Sioux Falls, SD, and Greg Friese of Sioux Falls, SD; two grandsons, Jacob and Joshua Friese both of Fargo, ND; two nephews, Kenny and his wife, Kristie and Al Friese all of New York Mills, MN; one niece, Debbie Honer and her husband John of Dent, MN; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Adolph and Elsie Friese; one brother, Marvin Friese; sister-in-law, Donna Friese; and one great-nephew, Ethan Honer.
Contributed on 9/1/24 by 9kat
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Record #: 276153