In Memory of Ruth C. Friedrichsen

Ruth C. Friedrichsen, age 91, of Odebolt, Iowa passed away on Tuesday, May 8, 2018, at the Horn Memorial Hospital of Ida Grove, Iowa.

Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at the United Methodist Church of Odebolt, Iowa. Pastor Ken Miller will officiate; with Committal Services following in the Odebolt Cemetery of Odebolt, Iowa.  A Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday, May 14, 2018 at the Christensen – Van Houten Funeral Home of Odebolt, Iowa. The Christensen -Van Houten Funeral Home of Odebolt, Iowa is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

    Ruth C. Friedrichsen, the daughter of Clyde H. and Kathryn L. (Jungert) Brown, was born on September 19, 1926, in Carroll, IA.  Ruth grew up on a farm between Kiron and Odebolt, IA, where she graduated from Odebolt High School with the class 1944.

    After graduation, Ruth taught country school and worked at the local drug store as a clerk. On August 15, 1946, Ruth married Leslie P. Friedrichsen in the Friedens Evangelical and Reformed Church of Schleswig, IA.  The couple settled down in Sac County area and were blessed with three sons Gerald, Bruce, and William.

    Ruth enjoyed being a homemaker, shopping, and traveling. She was a long time member of the United Methodist Church of Odebolt, IA. Ruth worked for the Urbandale Public School system for 18 years. On retirement, she and Les were able to enjoy 21 consecutive winters in Arizona, making new friends and reuniting with other “snow birds” from home.

    Ruth and Les had an active social life, playing bridge with friends and participating in many group excursions. They were able to visit all 50 states, and took many cruises and trips together, including a visit to the old countries in Europe.

    Ruth was an indispensable partner in life to her husband. She was supportive in all of his endeavors to make their life together happier and more successful.

    Left to cherish her memory is her loving husband of 71 years, Leslie Friedrichsen of Odebolt, IA; sons Gerald (Deb) Friedrichsen of Omaha, NE, Bruce Friedrichsen of Palm Desert, CA, and William (Connie) Friedrichsen of Fort Collins, CO;  five grandchildren Nick (Farah) Friedrichsen of Omaha, NE, Jason (Anne) Friedrichsen of Omaha, NE, Jared (Cindy) Friedrichsen of Denver, CO, Joe Friedrichsen (special friend Elizabeth) of Los Angeles, California, and Peter (Victoria) Friedrichsen of Colorado Springs, CO; four great-grandchildren Kira Hofer and Keary, Owen, and Elise Friedrichsen; extended friends and family.

    Ruth was preceded in death by her parents Clyde and Kathryn Brown; and twin brother Russell Brown.

    The family thanks the caregivers at Horn Memorial Hospital and Odebolt Specialty Care, United Methodist Church and the community for all of the support they provided during these trying times. 

    In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider making a donation in Ruth’s name to the United Methodist Church of Odebolt.