Julius Friedges

Julius Friedges, age 97, of Prior Lake, MN, passed away on August 1, 2024 at St. Gertrude's in Shakopee, MN.

 A Time of Gathering will be held from 4:00 - 7:00 PM on Thursday, August 8, 2024 at St. Michael Catholic Church, 16400 Duluth Ave SE, Prior Lake, MN 55372. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM with additional visitation time from 10:00 - 10:45 AM on Friday, August 9, 2024 at St. Michael Catholic Church. Father Tom Walker will preside.

Julius will be laid to rest at St. Michael Catholic Cemetery in Prior Lake, MN.

Julius Friedges, son of Henry and Elizabeth (Wagner) Friedges was born on November 26, 1926 in New Market, Minnesota. He grew up on the family farm and attended St. Nicholas Catholic Church and School in New Market.

On May 3, 1950, he married Alice Deutsch, of Elko. They celebrated 74 years of marriage in 2024. 

Julius and Alice farmed in New Market for 6 years then moved to Credit River to continue dairy farming until 1968. In 1971, they moved off the farm. 

Julius was a skilled carpenter, and a creative wood worker. He was a sharp card player, an avid fisherman, a longtime volunteer at the Franciscan Retreat Center in Prior Lake, a Twins and Vikings fan, a member of the Knights of Columbus and the parish of St. Michael Catholic Church. He was a hardworking man and enjoyed helping others.

Julius was a good and faithful servant and will be missed by everyone who knew him. He was the best of the best! Together Julius and Alice raised six children, Mary, Ellie, Barb, Ron, Steve, and Brian. Their family grew to include in-laws, grand and great-grandchildren, which added to the joy. Family activities, visits and get-togethers were special to Julius.

Left to cherish Julius’s memory is his wife, Alice; children, Mary (Bill) Waldschmidt, Ellie (Tom) Smith, Barb (Jerry) Kroyer, Ronald Friedges, and Brian Friedges; grandchildren, Mike Kroyer, Kate (Steve) Zweber, Anne ( Mickey) Wiltscheck, Kelly Evans, Dan Waldschmidt, Nicole Friedges (Ross Bautch), Natalie (Tom) Tressler, Jenni (Matt) DeYoung, Ron Friedges, and Matt Friedges; 17 great-grandchildren; many other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Julius is greeted in Heaven by his son, Steve Friedges; parents, Henry and Elizabeth Friedges; siblings, Roman, Elmer, Susan, and Leona.