James H Friedl
December 12, 1938 - March 23, 2021
Obituary
MADISON - Jim Friedl passed away peacefully at Agrace HospiceCare on Tuesday, March 23, 2021. He was 82.
Jim was born on Dec. 12, 1938 in Madison, Wis., and was the last of five children. He attended Blessed Sacrament Grade School and graduated from Madison West High School in 1956. During the Vietnam War, he enlisted in the Wisconsin Army National Guard and achieved a rank of Staff Sargent with the 13th Evacuation Hospital. In 1961, Jim married the love of his life, Gail Francis Smith. They were married 54 years and had two children. His entire work life was dedicated to Block System Cleaners on 2017 Winnebago Street in Madison. Block Cleaners was a Friedl family-owned business from 1921 until it closed in December of 2018. Jim was a leader in his industry and was a former president of the Wisconsin Drycleaners Association.
Jim was an avid Wisconsin Badgers sports fan, and an enthusiastic patron of Madison’s Parthenon, Paisan’s and Porta Bella restaurants. He was a skilled bowler, and enjoyed playing golf and trading stock tips with his friends. Jim never met a dog he did not love, and they always loved him.
Jim is survived by his daughter, Cindy (Scott) Harris of Redondo Beach, Calif.; son, Ted (Gwyn) Friedl of Oregon, Wis.; two grandchildren, Katelin and Nathanial Harris; and step grandson, Samuel Christensen.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Gail Friedl, after which his life was never the same; parents, Clement Friedl and Constance (Pulvermacher) Friedl; and siblings, Elaine Friedl, Bonnie (Tom) Butler, William (Joyce) Friedl and Marcia (Blaine) Eber.
Funeral service and burial will be a small affair, with a memorial reception to be held when the COVID-19 pandemic is over. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jim and Gail’s name to St. Dennis Parish, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Dane County, or Agrace HospiceCare. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com .
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
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Memories
BS
Bob Sugden
Other •
Jim was a great Guy,so sorry Ted you was a great friend to Pat you was like family to the Sugden’s
KH
Katelin Harris
Other •
When I woke up and saw Grandpa, I knew everything was alright.” I was 5 when I said that. I had woken up after being in the hospital for burning my hand and my Grandpa being there immediately made me feel better. Looking back there are so many happy times of the whole family Summers at the lake or Thanksgivings in California. I was always so excited to see him because I knew an afternoon with Grandpa would be filled with uncontrollable laughter. He taught me patience and discipline seeing him get up at the crack of dawn to go fishing before everyone in the house got up. I’ve loved him since I was itty bitty, and I will continue to do so as long as I’m here. I hope you’re reunited with Grandma up there. Rest easy.
+ 5
TB
Tim Bonjean
Other •
So sorry for your loss. Your mom and dad always made me feel so welcome at your home. Always enjoyed his big smile
CP
Cathy Perry
Other •
Jim hired me as a sophomore in High School to work at Block Cleaners. In many ways it was a turning point due to Jim and his family.He was a genuinely nice guy. He showed kindness and was inclusive in his business practices way before it was “in”. Jim made a positive impression on my life and I was fortunate to have known him. My condolences to his children and grandchildren. May he Rest In Peace.
JJ
Jennifer Johnson
Other •
While I'm saddened to hear of Jim's passing, he and the love of his life are together again. They both were kind, giving souls who will be missed. Peace and comfort to the Friedl family.
JM
Jack Miller
Other •
Our family has many fond memories of Jim from the day it started. Jack and Jim met over 70 years ago at Blessed Sacrament grade school which started a lifelong friendship. Jim was a groomsman in our wedding and carried on to be a part of so much more. Along with yearly trips to Door County, there were also many weekends of summer fun with Jim, Gail, Cindy, and Ted at Fish Lake. Fall afternoons were filled with triumph and heartache while tailgating and cheering on Badger Football (and if lucky a trip to a bowl game). Winter meant bowling league and escapes to warm weather destinations. Through it all he was always a good friend who brought us laughter and joy. He was much loved by our family and will be missed.
Jack & Barb Miller and daughters Cheryl Mattingly & Susan Lundgren