Walter W. Friedemann

Walter W. Friedemann, 95, of Random Lake, WI died peacefully surrounded by family on December 9, 2023. He was born on June 6, 1928, in the town of Addison, Washington County, WI, to Walter L. and Hildegarde (nee Endlich) Friedemann. He graduated from West Bend High School in 1945 and the University of Wisconsin in 1949 earning a Bachelor of Science degree in food science.

He married Marlene Stolper on April 18, 1953, at St. John Lutheran Church in Sherman Center. After Marlene’s passing in 2006 he married Ruth McKenna (nee Domann) on September 21, 2007 also at St. John.

Following college he settled in Random Lake starting his working career with Krier Preserving Co. He was an instrumental part of the start of their beverage division developing formulas for Jolly Good Soda. He retired from Krier Preserving 50 years to the day he started there.

He was a devout Christian and a member of St. John for over 70 years. There he served on numerous boards, councils, and was a member of the choir. He volunteered as a tutor at the school, prepared thousands of yards of fabric for the Quilter’s Guild and generally pitched in where help was needed. He was the church treasurer for 42 years taking over the position from his father-in-law, Arno Stolper. He also served as treasurer of the Village of Random Lake for 25 years.

Walt had a sharp wit and a broad range of knowledge making him a whiz at Jeopardy. He enjoyed telling stories from his childhood and college years. In retirement he exercised his artistic side crafting miniature nativity sets. He also drove for the Sheboygan County Aging and Disability Resource Center. He loved Wisconsin sports teams. He was a voracious reader and kept his mind sharp with Sudoku.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father; his sister, Doris and brother, Donald. Also by his first wife, Marlene, as well as a nephew, Peter Friedemann.

Walt is survived by his wife, Ruth; sons, Scott (Carolyn) Friedemann of North Lake, WI and Craig Friedemann of Madison, WI; two granddaughters, Andrea (Matthew) Glewwe of Mendota Heights, MN and Sara (Joel) Uckelman of Durham, England; 11 great-grandchildren, Owen, Leah, Bogomila, Krassimir, Tsvetomira, Reuben, Rinnah, Evania, Gloria, and Ebenezer Glewwe, and Gwendolyn Uckelman; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He is further survived by a step-daughter, Debra (David) Verhage; three step-grandchildren, Matthew (Sara) Verhage, Wendy (Jon) Kinney, and Heidi Verhage; six step-great-grandchildren, Jacob (Gina) Verhage, Aislinn Verhage, Lily Verhage, Josie, Janie and Elsie Kinney; one step-great-great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Verhage.

VISITATION: Walter’s family will greet relatives and friends at St. John Lutheran Church, (W5406 County Hwy SS, Random Lake, WI), on Thursday, December 14, 2023, from Noon until 2:00 p.m.

SERVICE: A funeral service for Walter will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday at St. John Lutheran Church with Rev. Paul Marks officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sheboygan Lutheran High School, 3323 University Drive, Sheboygan, WI 53081 or a charity of your choosing.

The Myrhum – Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Walter’s arrangements. Additional information and guest book may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.