Friez, Ken went to be with his Heavenly Father on September 11, 2009 after a three year battle with Parkinson’s and Dystonia. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife, mother and family. Ken retired from his Regional Manager position with a local propane company nine years ago. Ken married his loving wife Ruth on December 18, 1954. To this union three children were born; Brad (Cynthia) Friez, Brenda Neuharth, and Bretta (Jim) Ferrie. He loved and enjoyed his six grandchildren, Nikole (Robert) Schoelles, Nathan Friez, Joshua Friez, Dexter Ferrie, Ethan Ferrie, and Rachel Friez, and a great-grandchild, Alexis Schoelles. Preceding him in death was his father, Reinhold, and a grandson, Spencer Ferrie. Surviving are his mother, Ella Friez and two sisters, Deloris (Delbert) Hintz and Charlotte (Ray) Schott. Ken enjoyed car racing (NASCAR) and his love for Christian music brought him peace and comfort. A celebration of Ken’s life will be held at Happy Valley Baptist Church, 24220 N. 43rd Ave., Glendale, AZ 85310 at 10:30 am, Wednesday, September 16th, viewing at 9:30 am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials go to Happy Valley Baptist Church or Gardiner Home Hospice, 1522 West Myrtle Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85021. Please visit www.hansenmortuary.com to place online condolences.
Tributes
Anonymous wrote on Sep 21, 2009:
"Ruth and family, So very sorry to hear about Kenny.Our family did not hear about his passing until after the funeral. We are so sorry that we were not able to attend the funeral.The first time I met Kenny was our our honeymoon when Lane insisted we had to go see Kenny race. Mom Hochhalter always loved to talk about the days when Kenny was a little boy. I know there will be a glorious reunion in heaven.May our Lord and wonderful friend give you peace, and may the memories of Kens kind and loving spirit be foreverin your heart. Lovingly Joyce;"
Anonymous wrote on Sep 16, 2009:
"Bretta and Family God bless and comfort you on your loss. Our thoughts and prayer are with your family. He is at peace now but will live in your hearts forever. May you and your family be in everyones prayers at this difficult time. Kevin, Diana Zachary and Mackenzy Kriebs"
Anonymous wrote on Sep 16, 2009:
"Sending my deepest sympathy to the family who I have known since I was a teenager in South Dakota. I wish I could be there in person to celebrate Ken’s life. Thinking and praying for the family, every day. God Bless - Renee Perhapes they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy (indeed!). - Author Unknown"
Anonymous wrote on Sep 16, 2009:
"Dear Ruth and family: Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you at this time."
Anonymous wrote on Sep 16, 2009:
"Ruth and Family, our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time. Ken was an amazing, kind, gentle man that touched our lives in so many ways. Our family worked with him in the propane business for many years and he was always there with a quick smile, and just as quick wit, at every turn. He wrote a memorial to our father Larry, when he passed which helped us remember the good times and helped us through that difficult time and I can only pray that you will find some of that same comfort now. Ken touched our hearts and our lives in a way that will keep him with us forever. Our sincere condolences. The Saxon Family Anna, Mike, Richard, Kirstin, Bryan, Rachelle"
Anonymous wrote on Sep 15, 2009:
"I didn’t have the honor of meeting Ken, but the stories that I have heard are awesome. From what I have heard he was a very neat man and loved the sport of auto racing. My uncle and cousin did a tribute car of the ol’ EARTH SHAKER this year and it was fun to listen to all the stories that went with it. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time of sorrow. May all the memories help heal and fill the void.God Speed"
Anonymous wrote on Sep 15, 2009:
"Our sympathy and condolences to the Ken Friez family. We often remember the fun times associated with your family in Rapid City. May God grant you peace and comfort during these days. Our prayers are with you, love to all."
Anonymous wrote on Sep 15, 2009:
"Ruth and Family, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband and father. I pray that you will find strength and peace to see you through this time of sorrow. Know that Ken is in a better place and will watch over all of you. God bless you and keep you. Sincerely, June Hintz Garcia"
Anonymous wrote on Sep 15, 2009:
"Brenda I had to run an errand to Pinedale last summer and I drove by your house, all I had are pleasant memories of those days. I remember your dad, he was a very kind man and I thought highly of him. I’m sorry to hear of this event. Be strong. Your old friend, Tom Willis"
Anonymous wrote on Sep 15, 2009:
"Dearest Aunt Ruth, Brad, Brenda, Bretta and famililes, Our deepest sympathy to all of you. Oh... the memories I have of spending time with you while I was growing up!! It was such a pleasure to be aound Uncle Ken and he was always so full of Joy and had a radiant smile. May the Lord wrap his arms around you and give you comfort during this time. What helped me through losing Dad was to remember that he is in Heaven with the Lord. Dad and Uncle Ken are united once again!! Our love and prayers are with you."
Anonymous wrote on Sep 15, 2009:
"I remember visiting w/ Uncle Ken and Aunt Ruth and hearing lots of stories about their fruit trees from my Grandpa Ted. So Sorry for your loss - I’m sure that Grandpa met him at the gates!"
Anonymous wrote on Sep 15, 2009:
"Ruth and Family - Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. We will not be able to be there to represent Bertha’s family but we want you to know that you are on our mind and in our hearts. Candy did tell Bertha about Ken. I am not sure she understands. She is still having a hard time with speaking and forming her thoughts. Time will tell on how Bertha heals. I am so glad she went with us to see you this past spring. We pray that the Lord will give you strength and peace at this time. Love, Bob and Gladys"
Anonymous wrote on Sep 15, 2009:
"It was always so fun to visit with Uncle Ken and Aunt Ruth about the delicious fruit trees!!! Like Kellee mentioned, grandpa Fried enjoyed those fruit trees! How wonderful it is to know that Uncle Ken is pain free and singing praises up in Heaven! May the Lord bless you with comfort and peace."
Anonymous wrote on Sep 15, 2009:
"Dear Ruth, Brenda, Brad, Bretta, and the rest of the Friez gang: Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May this week be a time for bringing family and friends together and remembering Ken and the good times! You are all very much loved and we are all better people having known Ken and all of you. Love, Kellie Smith Lombardi"
Anonymous wrote on Sep 15, 2009:
"Sorry to hear of your loss.My thoughts and prayers are with you."
Anonymous wrote on Sep 14, 2009:
"We remember the wonderful times we have had with Ken and Ruth and their family the last 42 years and will always remember Ken for his love for the Lord and his family. He was always positive, happy and gracious and always honest in his dealings. We extend our heartfelt sympathy and love to Ruth and the family and assure them of our continued prayers for them. Love-Melvin and Helen Warkentin"
Anonymous wrote on Sep 14, 2009:
"Ruth and Family So sorry our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Ken had a very big impact on my family. If it was not for Ken there would not have been "The Earth Shaker" You all are in our thoughts and prayers. May you rest in peace Ken Robert (Butch) Robin and Troy"