James E Friederich, 91, of West Union, Iowa, died Thursday, March 3, 2022, at Palmer Lutheran Health Center in West Union. James Edward Friederich was born December 18, 1930, in Elgin, Iowa, to Jacob and Ida (Schneider) Friederich. Jim attended country school through the 8th grade and completed his GED equivalence while in the service.
On September 16, 1951, Jim was united in marriage to Delores Ann Fels at Zion Lutheran Church, West Union. Three daughters were born to this union: Judy, Kaylene and Lori.
Jim served in the US Air Force as a jet mechanic from February 1952 until his honorable discharge in 1956. During these years Jim was stationed in various places, but mainly Maine, Texas, Greenland and Minnesota. After leaving the Air Force, Jim worked for the State Highway for three years prior to his main career of farming. After retiring from farming in 1984, Jim was a custodian at The First National Bank of West Union for 11 years, delivery man for H & H Distributing, and was well known for his woodworking talents. He made so many different things, it’s hard to mention them all. He and Frank Reyner made the pulpit and lectern for Zion. Jim also constructed the baptismal font, a sound system cabinet, communion stands and cabinet in Zion’s entry. He was well known for his picture frames, TV stands, magazine racks, quilt racks, small furniture, etc. If you gave Jim a picture or idea of what you wanted made, he was able to make it.
Jim was a proud member of the West Union American Legion Post 15. He received a Quilt of Valor on December 10, 2019. Jim also served on Zion’s church council and was a Director of the West Union Coop for many years.
Jim was preceded in death by his daughter, Lori, his parents, Jacob & Ida, and ten siblings: Alma Berg, Richard Friederich, Dorothy Foels, Erma Kamaus, Jacob Friederich Jr, Fern Kleppe, George Friederich, Alton Friederich (in infancy), Lester Friederich and Robert Friederich.
Survivors include his wife, Delores Friederich, two daughters, Judy Hanson (Mark) and Kaylene Nesvik (Eric), grandchildren Perry Grant (Kisha), Kimberly Novak (Derek), Stefanie Swinton (Matthew), Jeffrey Nesvik (Megan) and Thomas Nesvik (Carrie), nine great-grandchildren Brendan Grant, Aidan Grant, Charlie Novak, Ava Novak, Hayden Swinton, Aubrey Swinton, Nolan Swinton, Calvin Nesvik and Nora Nesvik.
Additional survivors include his brother, Raymond Friederich (Murtis) and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2022 at Zion Lutheran Church in West Union, Iowa.
Funeral Service will be at 1:30 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2022 at Zion Lutheran Church in West Union, Iowa with Rev. Isaiah Stansbery as the officiant. Military Rites will follow
Inurnment at West Union Cemetery, West Union, Iowa.
Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in West Union, Iowa is assisting the family with arrangements.