Raymond Benjamin Friederich, 101, of Postville, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 6, 2026, at Good Samaritan Society in Waukon, Iowa.
Raymond was born on July 13, 1924, on the family farm near Elgin, Iowa, to Jacob and Ida (Schneider) Friederich. He grew up with a strong work ethic and deep appreciation for the land that remained with him throughout his life.
On November 27, 1949, Raymond married the love of his life, Murtis Sander, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Postville, Iowa. Together they shared more than 76 years of marriage and were blessed with seven children. Their home was built on faith, hard work, and devotion to family.
Raymond proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1944 to 1946 during World War II. Following his military service, he returned home and devoted his life to farming. Farming was more than an occupation to Raymond—it was his passion. He found great joy in watching the corn grow, checking his crops, monitoring his rain gauge, and caring for the land he loved.
Beyond the farm, Raymond enjoyed woodworking, playing cards, square dancing, fishing, eating ice cream, listening to music (especially Tim the Music Man), and occasional trips to the casino boat. Some of his greatest pleasures came from supporting his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in their sports, school events, and other activities. He treasured time spent with family and was happiest when surrounded by those he loved.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Ida Friederich; granddaughter, Jill Schmidt; and siblings, Alma (Orville) Berg, Richard (Ila) Friederich, Dorothy (Leo) Foels, Erma (Millard) Kamaus, Jacob (Beverly) Friederich Jr., Fern (Leslie) Kleppe, George (Marian) Friederich, Alton Friederich in infancy, James Friederich, Lester (Bernice) Friederich, and Robert (Jean)Friederich; and brothers-in-law, Burnell Sander and Ronald Schrader.
Raymond is survived by his wife, Murtis Friederich of Postville; his seven children, Sandra (Blaine) Gibson of Yakima, WA, Carol (Steve) Moon of Denver, IA, Steven (Barb) Friederich of Postville, IA, LeAnn (Bill) Schmidt of El Paso, TX, Craig (Mary Jo) Friederich of Forest City, IA, Rhonda (Mark) Schenkelberg of Chicago, IL, and Lane (Gina) Friederich of Urbandale, IA; grandchildren, Alyssa, Mark, Natalie, Nicole, Corby, Troy, Michael, Lee, Aaron, Ryan, Jenna, Nathan, and Ila; 28 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Delores Friederich, Marjorie Schrader, Gloria Sander, and Yvonne Groth; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Daryl and Norma Sander; and many other relatives and friends who will cherish his memory.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 13, 2026, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Postville, Iowa with Rev. Lynn Noel as the officiant. There will be no visitation prior to the service, and guests are asked to be seated upon arrival at the church.
Inurnment with military honors will follow at Postville Cemetery in Postville. A time of fellowship and visitation will be held in the church fellowship hall following the inurnment.
The family would like to thank St. Croix Hospice for the excellent care they provided to Raymond.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Croix Hospice, the Postville American Legion, or St. Paul Lutheran Church.