Robert “Bob” L. Friedenfels, age 89, of Medford, passed away on Sunday, June 21, 2020 at Clark County Rehab and Living Center, where he had been a resident for the past 2 years. He was under the care of St. Croix Hospice. Bob was born on December 2, 1930 at home in the Town of Maplehurst, Taylor County, to the late Emil and Anna (Potocnik) Friedenfels. Bob went to Redville School and helped out on the family farm. On August 2, 1952, he married Rita Schwellenbach at Holy Rosary Catholic Church and started farming in the Town of Holway with her. That very fall, he went to serve in the army during the Korean War. After returning from the war, Bob and Rita were blessed with three children; Roxanne, Randolph, and Richard. Bob served on the Taylor County Board of Supervisors for 12 years. In 1978, Rita passed away. Several years later, Bob married Mary Bootz and they had 1 daughter, Elizabeth. Bob and Mary were later divorced. Robert lived in retirement for many years on his farm in the Town of Hammel, which he had moved to in 1969.
Bob survived by his children—Roxanne (Rick Kempf) Friedenfels of Minneapolis, Randolph (Juanita Timm) Friedenfels, of Medford, Richard (Corinne Kolbe) Friedenfels, and Elizabeth (Eric Schram) Friedenfels of Merrill; 7 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; siblings – Rich Friedenfels of Milwaukee, Gloria (Bob) Garcia of Oregon, WI, Edward (Marge) Friedenfels of Eau Claire, Daisy Bullock of Minneapolis; along with numerous nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Rita; brothers – Frank, Harry, Donald, and William; and sisters—Dolores and Dorothy.
A Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, June 27, 2020 at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Holway. The family requests that attendees are respectful of social distancing while attending the service. Hemer Funeral Home of Medford and Rib Lake have been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com