Ellen Friedrich

Published 12:00 am Saturday, November 22, 2008

Ellen Friedrich, 96, of Austin, died Nov. 21, 2008, at St. Mark’s Nursing Home. Born Feb. 19, 1921, in Ottumwa, Iowa, she and her sister were lovingly adopted by the Rev. and Mrs. Gustav Meyer.
A graduate of Westmar Academy and Westmar University, LeMars, Iowa, with B.A. and B.M. degrees, Ellen attended the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, for her post graduate work. She taught high school elementary grades for many years in Nebraska and Minnesota.
Gifted in music and an excellent violinist, Ellen was a church organist, choir director, Sunday school and Bible class teacher. She was accomplished at embroidery and crocheting, leaving a legacy of art for family and friends. Ellen was president of the Minnesota South District LWML for eight years. Since moving to Austin, Ellen was active in the ladies’ aid, ladies’ circle and Bible classes at Holy Cross Lutheran Church.
Ellen married the Rev. Edwin Friedrich on June 12, 1940. They enjoyed traveling and together they journeyed to Germany and the Holy Land. She enjoyed spending family time with her seven children, 20 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.
Survivors include one son, Gustav of New Jersey; four daughters: Miriam (Lloyd) Luehmann of Austin, Mary (Charles) Rohe of Zumbrota, Muriel (Gene) Stark of Prior Lake and Marilyn Friedrich of Huntington Beach, Calif.; and son-in-law, Wallace Fromm of Sparta, Wis.
Ellen was preceded in death by her husband in 1996; two daughters: Martha Fendt and Margaret Fromm; a sister; and a brother.
The funeral will be at 1 pm. Tuesday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Austin, with the Rev. Jeffery Sage officiating. Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery, Albert Lea. Friends may call at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Austin, one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Holy Cross Lutheran Church or the charity of one’s choice.