Obit: Friedrichsen, Robert H. #4 (1929 - 2004)

Contact: History Buffs

Surnames: Friedrichsen, Schoenfeld, Bruhn, Beardmore, Schmidt, Jones, Shong, Stump, Krueger, Castner

----Sources: The Mapleton Press (Mapleton, Monona County, Iowa) 04/29/2004

Friedrichsen, Robert H. (8 Sept. 1929 - 17 Apr. 2004)

Robert "Bob" H. Friedrichsen,74, of Marshfield, Wisconsin and Arizona City, Arizona, passed on to eternal life peacefully surrounded by his family and friends on Saturday, April 17, 2004 in his Arizona home. He was proud to be a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.

He was born in a farmhouse near Danbury, Iowa, on September 8, 1929, to Jens and Bertha (Schoenfeld) Friedrichsen, and was baptized into Christ shortly after. On November 4, 1951, he married Corinne L. Bruhn, and they enjoyed a wonderful life together for 52 years. He was deeply loved by his children: Terry and Stephanie Friedrichsen of Tucson, Arizona; Rodney and Karen Friedrichsen of Marshfield, Wisconsin; Cathy and Gary Beardmore of La Crescent, Minnesota; and Bryan Friedrichsen of Arizona City, Arizona. His five grandchildren, Dennis, Tami, Adam, Ryan, and Kelly were the joy of his life. He is also survived by his sister Gloria Schmidt of Omaha, Nebraska, and brothers Raymond (LaVonne) of Mapleton, Iowa; Richard (Janis) of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and sister-in-law Sue Friedrichsen of Ute, Iowa; and many dear nieces and nephews. Jeanine, Jennifer and Grace are his very special "adopted" daughters. Passing on before him was his parents, a brother Roger and brother-in-law Howard Schmidt.

In 1952 he was called to serve his country in the Korean War. After his discharge in 1954 he farmed in Iowa with his wife until 1957 when he moved his family to a farm near Granton, WI. In 1963, he started Mid-State Sales along with his partner and friend Cecil Jones and specialized in farm auctions, farming always staying close to his heart. He enjoyed a special working relationship with Ken Shong and Keith Stump, who were also very dear friends. Bob wanted to give back to the communities he loved. In Marshfield, he worked with the National Farm Medicine Center, where he organized the Auction of Champions, and he was instrumental in the growth and success of the Market Animal Sale at the Central Wisconsin State Fair, which benefited many young farmers. He served on the Boards for the Arizona City Club and the Arizona City Country Club. He enjoyed splitting his time between Marshfield and Arizona City, playing golf and cards with his many dear friends. Bob was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Marshfield, and an associate member of Central Lutheran Church in Arizona City. He was also a member of the Elks Club #665, Fraternal Order of Eagles Badger Aerie # 624 and the American Legion Legion Post #54 all of Marshfield.

A Celebration of Life for Bob was held on Monday, April 19, 2003 at Central Lutheran Church in Arizona City.

A celebration of Life for Bob was 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 23, 2004 at Christ Lutheran Church in Marshfield with Rev. Mark A. Krueger officiating. Mary Castner was the organist along with congregational singing. Pallbearers were Terry, Rodney, Bryan, Dennis, Tami and Kelly Friedrichsen, Gary, Adam and Ryan Beardmore. Entombment was in Hillside Memorial Gardens Mausoleum with military rites conducted by the American Legion Post # 54 of Marshfield. Visitations were on Thursday, April 22nd from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Rembs / Kundinger Funeral Home with a prayer service at 4:00 p.m. and again on Friday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until time of services.

The family of Bob request that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Bob's name in his honor to the National Farm Medicine Center, 1000 North Oak Avenue, Marshfield, Wisconsin 54449.