John Edward Frieden (4/27/1952-5/21/2024) has gone to rest in the arms of the Lord after a short illness. He passed peacefully at home in rural Livingston, Texas.
John was the 6th of 8 children born to O. Floyd and Frances Frieden in Illinois City, Illinois. He spoke fondly of his time with family and work on the farm in those days, of his love and respect for his parents and their faith, and how he enjoyed being a 'pal' (as his sister Mary called him) to his siblings Doris Frieden (decd.), Donna Anderson, Mary Frieden, Don Frieden, Ron Frieden (decd.), Jim Frieden, and Jeanie Beason (decd.).
John met C. Robin (Fuhr) Frieden at Rockridge in rural Rock Island County, Illinois, and the high school sweethearts were married after their graduation from Western Illinois University on the summer solstice, June 21, 1974. John was preceded in death by Robin in 2005. John and Robin are survived by their seven children and John will be deeply missed by the "Frieden 7" and their partners: Aundrea Kristine "Andi" and Joe Gulley, Michelle Leigh Frieden and Susan Roelle, Jonathan David and Sarah Frieden, Robert Benjamin and Kristin Frieden, Mary Elizabeth "Liz" and Benn James, Daniel Fuhr and Katie Frieden, and Isaac Samuel Frieden and Kelsey Wang. John is also preceded in death by wife Vikki Frieden. John will be dearly missed by his partner Julie Morgan who was with him in life and comfort through the end.
John was a devoted and loving grandfather to his 20 grandchildren: Faith Robin Frieden, Sam James, Fisher Frieden, Addi Frieden, Eliza James, Walker Frieden, John Solomon Gulley, Caleb Gulley, Lucy James, Mason Frieden, John Emery Frieden, Ceelia Frieden, Bo Gulley, Evie James, Luke Frieden, Pearl Robin Frieden, Robin Isabel Frieden, Saige Frieden, Piper Frieden, and Jesse Frieden who will all miss his cuddles, stories, and encouragement.
At WIU, John began his nearly 5-decade career in the agri-chemical business with DuPont and was among the leaders of his time when he retired in 2020. Over his desk hangs the verse: "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths." John's path took him and his family across 7 states (IL, NY, DE, FL, MO, MN and TX), and his work travels took him to most of the world's continents. John leaves behind a legacy of helping farmers in their time of need worldwide.
John lived a life of faith, choosing to see the positive in every situation. He was devoted to spreading the word of God and encouragement to all who knew him. He served as a mentor and champion of youth, spending many years on the Rockridge Board of Education, leading youth groups, hosting summer Bible camps with wife Robin, enthusiastically coaching youth sports, and mentoring aspiring agribusiness college students throughout their careers.
John delighted in summers fishing in Minnesota, planting his garden, singing with his children, spending time with his family, talking about grass and innovations in farming, and sharing his stories and advice. In retirement, he was dubbed by his grandchildren, the "weed ninja" because he dedicated himself to safely eradicating every weed on the ranch where he lived - spending hours on a tractor in the sunshine.
John was also a steady voice of reason and comfort to his children and grandchildren. Each Sunday since his retirement, his family knew there would be a "Happy Sunday" message from dad/grandpa, full of encouragement, blessings, and enthusiasm for the week ahead. John's family rejoices that he is home with Jesus, but will deeply miss his constant presence, positive attitude, and guiding light
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