Ellen Friedrich, 96, Austin, Minn., died Nov. 21, 2008 at St. Mark’s Nursing Home.
Ellen was born Feb. 19, 1912 in Ottumwa, Iowa. Ellen and her sister were adopted by Rev. and Mrs. Gustav Meyer.
A graduate of Westmar Academy and Westmar University, Le Mars, Iowa with bachelor of arts and bachelor of music degrees, Ellen attended the University of Lincoln, Nebraska for post-graduate work. She taught high school and elementary grades for many years in Nebraska and Minnesota.
Gifted in music and an excellent violinist, Ellen was a church organist, choir director, and 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, she was active in the Ladies Aid, Ladies Circle, and Bible classes at Holy Cross Lutheran Church.
Ellen married Rev. Edwin Friedrich on June 12, 1940. She and he enjoyed traveling and together they journeyed to Germany and the Holy Land. Ellen also enjoyed spending family time with her seven children, 20 grandchildren, and 25 great grandchildren.
Survivors include one son: Gustav, New Jersey; four daughters: Miriam (Lloyd) Luehmann, Austin, Minn.; Mary (Charles) Rohe, Zumbrota, Minn.; Muriel (Gene) Stark, Glenwood, Minn.; Marilyn Friedrich, Huntington Beach, Calif.; son-in-law: Wallace Fromm, Sparta, Wis.
Ellen was preceded in death by her husband in 1996, two daughters, Martha Fendt and Margaret Fromm, and a sister and brother.
The funeral will be at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 25 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Austin, with the Rev. Jeffrey Sage officiating. Burial will be in the Hillcrest Cemetery; Albert Lea, Minn. 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 a charity of one’s choice.