Donald J. Friddle, 76, of Pleasant Prairie, passed away on Saturday, April 1st, 2006, at Aurora Medical Center. Born on July 7, 1929, in Litchfield, IL, he was the son of the late Clelland and Elizabeth (White) Friddle. He moved from Litchfield to Kenosha as an infant. On February 8, 1952, he married Barbara Higgins in Waukegan, IL. They recently celebrated 54 years of marriage together. He was enlisted in the U.S. Navy from 1951 until 1953. He was employed in the engineering department at Outboard Marine Corp. for 35 years until his retirement in 1992. He was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church, Kenosha Youth Foundation, Kenosha Harley Owners Group (HOG), and owns his own Harley. He loved snowmobiling and target shooting. He was interested in local politics and loved spending time with his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Barbara of Pleasant Prairie; two sons, Robert (Susan) Friddle of Ingleside, IL, and Michael (Madelaine) Friddle of Conover, WI; a sister, Abby Jane Jones of Montana; a brother, David Lee (Linda) Friddle of Rhinelander, WI; seven grandchildren, James, Sara, David, Eric, Michelle, Melanie, and Amber Friddle; and two great-grandchildren, Kameron Heron and Alan James Friddle. He was preceded in death by his sister, Clella Jean Friddle. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 6th, from Bethany Lutheran Church, at 10:00 am. Interment to follow with full military honors at Green Ridge Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday evening at Proko Funeral Home from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm and on Thursday at Bethany Lutheran Church from 9:30 am until the time of services.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Mike Gwaltney
My sincere condolences to Don's family. I knew Don for over 30 years while working at Outboard Marine in Waukegan. I would like to add some comments about his work.Don was responsible for durability testing thousands of components for Johnson and Evinrude Outboards. Marine engineering visitors who were allowed to the restricted area enjoyed seeing the test cell designated as the "Torture Room". The staff called it "Friddle's Room".Don had a unique task at engineering. He designed, machined and fabricated hundreds of intricate operating test fixtures. These fixtures operated by electric or air motors "cycle tested" components year round. After all Don's creations were working, he would diligently make frequent visits to maintain the equipment and log test results.Anyone who worked with Don knew he had thousands of motor theories and a personal recall of developments. He always made the extra effort to join fellow employees for reunion breakfasts, lunch's as well as hospital and funeral visitations. I know many will join me in celebrating the life of a fine man.Sincerely, Mike Gwaltney
Bill Graumann
Hi Barb,Sorry to hear of Dons passing. Haven't seen him in many years. Since we moved from Kenosha I only hear for Obituarys from others still in K-town. Bill Graumann
Kimberly Sandretto
I am very sorry to hear of his passing. I remember him visiting my father, Robert Gerdes. When I would stop by, they were always talking about the old times working at OMC together. It was always a pleasure to see him still riding at his age, as my husband and I are avid Harley riders ourselves. IT gives us something to look forward to in retirement. Kimberly Sandretto (daughter of Robert Gerdes)
Joan Lesko
We are sending our sympathy and prayers to the family of Don Friddle. My husband Bob has been in the Kenosha H.O.G. Chapter since 1989. I joined in May 1990. Don used to sit at our table for the meetings. We will miss seeing Don.Bob and Joan LeskoKenosha H.O.G. CHAPTER
Larry Peck
My deepest condolences to all of you on Don's passing. I worked with Don for about 23 years at OMC Engineering and I was also a Kenosha HOG member, with Don, for the last 8 or 9 years. Don will be greatly missed. Sincerely, Larry Peck