Russel William Fried, Sr.
June 17, 1922 - February 27, 2016
Obituary
STOUGHTON/MADISON- Russel William Fried, age 93, of Stoughton, died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016. He was born June 17, 1922, to William Jennings Fried and Edna Selene (Florin) Fried in Bohris Valley, near Fountain City, Wis. Russel graduated from Fountain City High School at age 16, and was an avid trumpet player in several area dance bands, including Die Swietzer (The Swiss Melodians). When speaking of his earlier years, Russel conveyed the enthusiasm and great pride he took in being one of the best trumpet players of the local dance band circuit. Russel's band would regularly pack the popular local dance halls with their upbeat, live music. In May of 1943, Russel married Magdalen Sendelbach and took up farming in rural Fountain City, alongside his father. He later sold farm equipment for Arcadia Implements. Russel spent his final years living in Madison and finally in Stoughton.
Russel will be fondly remembered for his cheerful disposition, his great sense of humor, his generous heart, and his optimistic view of life. Even at age 93, he was sharp as a whistle, of keen mind, always upbeat, and eager to tell his family how much he loved them. He was sharply aware of, and ready to comment on current events and political issues. Among his favorite phrases in reminding others to live life to the fullest was, "tomorrow is promised to none of us." He will be greatly missed by all. Russel is survived by three children, Charlotte Anna (Bill) Smith, Los Angeles, CA., Claire Renee Fried, Madison, WI., and Russell William "Bill" (Jeannette) Fried, Stoughton, WI. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Kara (Duane) Gullett, Los Angeles, CA., Christina (Pat) Bosler, Indianapolis, IN, Maria Watson, Rio, WI, Anna (Jim) Fosdick Jr., Middleton, WI., Michael Watson, Marianas Islands, Christopher (Noelle) Watson, Seattle, WA., Emma Fried, Stoughton, WI., and William Fried, Stoughton, WI.
Russel is also survived by 12 great-grandchildren, Chase and Jacob Gullett; Caroline, Cole, and Eric Bosler; Tabatha, Nicholas, and Mariah Fried; and Katiya, Katrina, Kaden, and Kyleigh Fosdick. Russel is further survived by nieces; a nephew; and numerous other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Olive (Werner) Engel; and his nephew, John Engel.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST ANN'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 323 North Van Buren, Stoughton, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 5, 2016, with Fr. Randy Budnar officiating. A luncheon will follow at the church. Burial will be at St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a contribution in memory of Russel are encouraged to do so to St. Ann's Catholic Church. Online condolences can be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Stoughton
Funeral & Cremation Care
1358 Highway 51 N. @ Jackson
(608)873-4590
Events
Visitation
Sat Mar 5, 2016 @ 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
St. Ann Catholic Parish (Stoughton) • 323 N. Van Buren, Stoughton, WI null
Mass of Christian Burial
Sat Mar 5, 2016 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
St. Ann Catholic Parish (Stoughton) • 323 N. Van Buren, Stoughton, WI null
Photos
Memories
RK
Randy Kindschy
Other •
So sorry to about Russel. I was just thinking about him and Billy the other day. I remember Boris valley very well and mowing lawn and drinking ice cold Dr Pepper at grandpa Bills farm with Russel and Billy.It was at grandpa Bills farm house in the 60s that I remember him burning coal for heat and watching gun smoke and the Lucy show. Grandpa Bill and Russel had the same laugh that I will never forget. The good ole days. Russel was always very nice to me. Godspeed my friend.
Randy and Lauri Kindschy
Nelson Wi
SG
Sandy Gerber
Other •
We sure enjoyed Rusty. He always had a smile and a story to tell. He used to camp at our campground, Kamp Kegonsa.
AF
Anna Fosdick
Other •
In addition to the many endearing and wonderful things Grandpa Russel did to make our lives better (such as moving my mom and brothers and me in a UHaul away from the desolate Iron Range in Northern MN to Madison WI where there would be opportunities for us), I will always remember the summer Grandpa brought over a couple of hundred cans of beets for us to (eat? and) store in our basement due to the Midwest drought and expectations that food prices would rise dramatically....
Good ole Grandpa would sometimes demonstrate that in fact he did grow up during the Great Depression and had sound ideas about how to beat the commodity pricing system. If only his "treat" had been cans of mandarin oranges rather than beets we might have reacted more excitedly to his truck full of "goodies."
Grandpa always offered words of wisdom and encouragement and was there for me when I needed someone to celebrate my high school graduation with, a ride across town for a college interview, or someone to call the power company when I was alone in our apartment part of the summer.
We will sure miss you Grandpa and all the love you brought to our lives, not to mention your good advice like, "Eat a grapefruit a day. Its the best thing for you!" Love, Anna
CW
Chris Watson
Other •
Shared a photo.