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Robert Friberg Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Friberg
Patrick Ocharzak
January 8, 2008
Coach Friberg was as instrumental in developing good student-athletes as he was good football players. The years I spent with his teams on the sidlines during the 80's was a defining time in EK's storied history and certainly my life as well. The rare bus rides after an EK football loss were painfully quiet as you know. The wins which were many, were celebrations of victory and the Friday Song. Coach Friberg was a winner. Fortunately I knew him outside of football. A quiet man at times, he was never shy with his opinion. When Coach Friberg spoke, you listened. His love of the outdoors was unmatched.The White River Outdoorsman lives with me today. EK will not be the same knowing he is not around, however Falcon Pride lives on because he was.
Tom DeGennaro
January 3, 2008
Rich my prayers go out to you and your family.
Shelley Smith
January 3, 2008
I was shocked when I heard of the passing of Mr. Friberg. I grew up with the Friberg's and Williams family all my life. He was such a inspirational man and a great coach. When Mr. Friberg retired from EKHS, there has not been a football team like he had. You have our deepest sympathy and if there is anything we can do, please let me know.
Shelley,Chuck,Johnathan Smith
(Tetter)Class of 84.
Larry & Rachel Tetter
January 3, 2008
Mrs, Friberg and Family you have our deepest sympathy. Bob was a great coach to our son Dave Tetter and a great man. EKHS has lost a icon.
Larry & Rachel Tetter
Dave Tetter
January 3, 2008
We wew deeply saddened to hear about Mr.Friberg. As a coach, he taught many things to me as I carry this on everyday. He waqs a great coach, mentor, and friend. You have my deepest sympathy. Until we meet again.
Dave,Chris,Brandon,Logan Tetter
Bill Friberg
January 3, 2008
Dear Julie, Rich, Karen, and Scott,
I miss Bob so very much; he was a fantastic brother. All of you know how much I loved him. He was my role model as a former coach. I would frequently call him for advice when my team faced a difficult opponent. In fact, in life I would call him for advice with life's problems. He had a heart of gold. I thoroughly enjoyed going to your home for various parties with all your friends from the Kentwood area. Everyone always made me feel at home. All of you are so very strong. I cannot say how much Rich has done for your family in the trying times all of you faced. Julie has always been such a loving and kind person. I cannot say enough about her. Her bubbly personality affects everyone with whom she comes in contact. I have always loved everyone in their family. Karen and Scott have also been very close to me.
No one could be more proud of a brother, brother-in-law, or uncle than me. I will forever miss him. He is always on my mind and in my heart. I will get another chance to see him again in a better place.
Brother Bill
Brenda Barger
January 2, 2008
my heart and prayer's go out to you and your family at this time, robert was a great teacher and friend to us all we will all miss him deeply.. my god look over this family today and always .class of 1983
JESSE HEARD
January 2, 2008
MY DAD AND MY MENTOR. I'll Miss you!
beth petersen
January 1, 2008
Dear Julie and family,
I must have missed some details of Robert's latest health and I was shocked to hear of his death. I'm so sorry. I would have loved to have known him when he was healthy and so full of life. He struggled so with chemo and many health issues relating to the chemo. He was always so nice to me and thoughtful. I'm sorry for your great loss. Lots of encouragement to you. beth
tim tietz
January 1, 2008
dear julie and family
my deepest regrets to all of you.
fri was a terrific coach and a better man. he will be greatly missed and thought of often by all who knew him.
Diane Dyer
December 31, 2007
Dear Friburg Family,
We wanted to let you know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
It has been great getting to know and serve you all.
Love,
The Red Geranium Cafe Staff
Mitch Ware
December 29, 2007
Julie and family,
Coach was a terrific man, who profoundly impacted not only as coach but as teacher, mentor and friend to so many. His legacy lives on in the hearts of every one of us in EK family.
I will always remember and appreciate our chats at 'chemoland'... you and Coach were so good with Matt and our family as we all navigated that part of our journey.
May God richly bless you and keep you close in His hand.
Mitch and Lori Ware
1953 Returning JC letterman
December 28, 2007
1952 Grand Rapids Basketball Team
December 28, 2007
Robert (Bob) & Ruth Engelman
December 28, 2007
Dear Julie and Family:
Please accept our deepest sympathy in your loss. Bob and I attended Ottawa Hills HS, Junior College, and Albion College together. I played basketball with him at JC and Albion. We were in Sigma Nu fraternity together at Albion. Bob was also the Best Man at Ruth and my wedding. We sat with you and Bob at our 40th HS reunion. GOD'S BLESSING.
Phyllis Johnson (Tharp)
December 28, 2007
Dear Karen, Scott and Rich,
I was deeply saddened to hear of your dad's passing. Every once in while I have thought of him as I have watched my son target shooting. I remember him trying to teach Karen and I to shoot a gun. He also a few pearls of wisdom for Karen and myself as teenage girls. I smile at those memories. I know he will forever be in your hearts. My deepest sympathies.
Chris Mullins
December 28, 2007
Dear, Julie and Family, I wanted to express that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Coach was a special person who taught me many things that I still apply today. It was an honor to not only play for him, but to learn as well. May God Bless you.
Chris Mullins
Class of 1983
Judy Schabel
December 28, 2007
Julie and Family,
We are extending our condolences for your loss, and remembering so many great times! We shared so much "life" during our years at EKHS! Our family, (Bill, Sharon, Jane, Bill Sr. and I) were all touched by Bob, a very special man!
Our son Bill, will represent our family at the funeral, in respect for a man who had such a positive influence on so many people,and especially on his life. Thankyou Bob!
Judy Schabel and Family
Jack Taylor
December 28, 2007
Dear Julie and Family,
Bob was my room-mate at Albion, he was a fraternity brother, he was the best man at my wedding and he was a great friend. We shared the same interests, dreams and values.
It was a shock to hear that he was gone from this life. Please know that you will be in Margie's and my prayers.
Amy
December 27, 2007
Dear Julie & Family,
We loved having Bob as our neighbor. He was kind, thoughtful & always willing to help. We remember how he would bring our trash can up for us each week, hand out popsicles to our young boys & offer his help with anything we might need. He will be missed by all of us on the street!
Love,
Matt, Amy, Tyler & Tanner
Joe Hulsebus
December 27, 2007
I had the pleasure of playing on one of Coach Friberg's many great football teams. He stressed working hard which I live by today in everything that I do. After 25 years since my graduation from EKHS, I still proudly wear the colors of EKHS in part because of my admiration for Coach Friberg.
Coach Ron Hall
December 27, 2007
As one of Bob Friberg's Assistant Coach's I always felt like I was part of the total decision making process. Bob never questioned any decision that I made, and that is probably why he only had 4 Asst. Coach's in 22 years.
Working for him was a fantastic experience.
Jim Reutter
December 27, 2007
Dear Julie and Family
I played football with Bob at Albion he was a great friend and leader. I also hunted with him at Walpole Island
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Alex Gates '89
December 27, 2007
Dear Mrs. Friberg and family,
Coach was a great man and someone who had a positve impact on my life. He will be greatly missed, but the lessons that he taught myself and others will live on.
God Bless
Carol Lewis (Brown)
December 27, 2007
Julie and Family,
I will never forget "Dirty Bob". You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Call anytime you need a shoulder.
Roger H. Borr
December 27, 2007
To the Friberg Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Bob was truly a remarkabale person and coach.
I had the pleasure of being his assistant in the early 60's with the Kentwood basketball program.
I have very fond memories of those early years coaching with Bob.
You have my deepest sympathy and may God lead you through these difficult days.
James & Stephanie Dantuma EKHS '93
December 27, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Susan Bailey-Hartman
December 27, 2007
Mrs. (Julie) Friberg,
Bob sure played a good game here on earth! I was lucky to see him last summer at the KBL fields, he was cheering on his grandson while proudly watching his son coach the team. I walked right over to his truck and introduced myself. He remembered all 4 of my older siblings, which doesn't surprise me! You and your family will be in our prayers during this difficult time.
Steven Hall
December 27, 2007
Dear Julie and Rich:
As a former student, football player and the son of one of his longtime fellow coaches, I will miss one of the greatest football coaches of the state of Michigan. I noticed from a very young age that Coach Friberg had a great sense of humor combined with an intense motivation for teaching, coaching and helping the boys of East Kentwood become men. My father and our family will miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Friberg family.
Steven Hall
Class of '86
Bob and Tommy Tietz
December 27, 2007
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Brian Baker
December 26, 2007
Rich,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family. I have been truely blessed to have had your dad in my life. I know Heaven will accept him with the same open arms and respect he shared with me.
Brian, Jennifer, and Tristan Baker
Gerry Thornton
December 26, 2007
Dear Julie and Karen,
I am so sorry you lost your loved one and no doubt, your best friend. I knew several months ago that Bob had cancer, but had no idea he was with Hospice.
I am a Hospice volunteer and would have dearly loved to have cared for him.
I know you will feel a great loss, for he was a good man and respected by all. God will walk with each of you every step of the way, daily. Hang on to your memories, because they only become more precious as time passes.
My heart is saddened and I will remember you all in my thoughts and especially my prayers. I pray that you might feel the Lord's presence and strength as you pass the tough and lonely days that lie ahead.
Love and Prayers,
Gerry Thornton
Ace Adams
December 26, 2007
I played football with Bob at Albion College. He was a great leader on the team and will be missed by all who knew him. My prayers are with the family.
Scott Knowles
December 26, 2007
Dear Julie,
I was so very sorry to hear the news of your husband Bob's passing. You both have been in my and my son's thoughts and prayers, and will be always. I look forward to seeing you this Spring at Jenny's graduation. May your heart be lifted with wonderful memories of great times.
Scott, Matt and Cal Knowles
Tulsa, Oklahoma
John P. Anes
December 26, 2007
Coach Friberg, Family
As a former student and football player I cherish memories of the success we sheared. Even as a singer song writer the game of live spills over into lyricks. As I have been living on the fifty yard line with the goal of getting into God's end zone, I shall see you again Coach.
Lynn Eickhoff
December 26, 2007
To The Friberg Family,
My thoughts, prayers & hugs are with you all as you endure your great loss. Bob was, indeed, a great man of dedication & commitment. May you find Peace & Comfort in your Family & Friends.
Tim Williams
December 26, 2007
Dear Friberg Family,
We are very sad for your loss. Bob is a great man and he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we will always be here for you. May your memories bring you comfort and God bring peace to your heart.
Your friends and extended family,
Tim, Cory, Joselyn, Jasmine, Timothy & Zach
Stan,Gitta, Rob and Michelle Dykstra
December 26, 2007
Rich and Karen and Family, I am sorry to hear about your fathers death. Rest assured his suffering is done and he is in a better place. Bob was a great man, touched many lives and was a leader among men. My condolences and prayers to your entire family from the Dykstra's
Dennis De Ridder "66"
December 26, 2007
I had one of the first classes that he taught coming to Kentwood Schools. I also, played basketball for him during his last two years of coaching basketball. It was a well-documented fact from the beginning that Mr. Friberg trained his athletes very hard, the skill level and physical drive needed to play on his teams. It will be a very long time before Kentwood has a football coach that will surpass this achievement both on and off the field. Add this to his dedication to excel as an educator for 36 years; it will be a very long time before the memories of this person will fade among those who he touched.
Our condolences to the entire family.
Dana Blank
December 26, 2007
Rich,
First and foremost, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your entire family. As I read through Bob's obituary I had to say that a smile crossed my face when I read about him being inducted into the High School Football Hall of Fame in 1985... because I was there with you in celebration. It's been many years since I've seen you and your family, but know that our friendship stemmed from our years at NMU are never far from my heart or mind. You're front and center during this difficult time. I know how much your father meant to you and I've always respected him. Godspeed to Bob as he enters a better place and God bless to the rest of your family.
Ken Poll
December 26, 2007
Julie and family: Our deepest sympathy to all of you in this time. Bob was a great teacher,coach and friend. Both Jan and I will miss him. I enjoyed the many years we worked together and the breakfast times after retirement. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We will not return to the state until late April.
Paul Mullins
December 25, 2007
Dear Julie and Family
I was deeply saddened to hear of Coach Friberg's passing. He was always a special person in my life as well as you Julie and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you from Chicago.
May God Bless you at this time.
I will always remember Coach.
Paul Mullins
Batavia, IL
Class of 79
Randy Johnson
December 25, 2007
Julie and family, I just want you to know how much I admired your husband. I played against him in the early years of Kentwood Football when I played at Northview. I coached against him when I became a teacher/coach at Jenison and I officiated his games with the Paganelli's when I became a referee.. He was a true gentleman, great coach and wonderful friend!! God Bless!
John Hulsebus
December 25, 2007
I played for Coach Friberg on the 1981 East Kentwood football team. He was one of the most influential people in my life...and the lessons I learned from him remain with me today.
I never had the opportunity to tell Coach Friberg how influential he was on my life all of these years. However, back in 1981, I wore the EK "pride" on the side of helmet back then...and from Coach Friberg, learned how to instill pride in my work/efforts to this day.
My synpathies to Mrs. Friberg and Coach Friberg's whole family. May they have comfort in their sorrow as they celebrate the rememberance of a great man!
God bless!
Don Pries
December 25, 2007
Julie and Family
We were so saddened to hear of Bob's death. We remember him as a professional colleague and a nice guy to be around. We will miss him and think of you in this time of loss. We are gone from the state until the end of March, but our thoughts are with you and the rest of the EK family.
Don Pries and Emalee (Jernstadt) Baldwin
Laura Kuipers
December 25, 2007
Dear Rich & Family,
Our hearts go out to you and your family during this very difficult time. We have thought of you often since the passing of our own father and I hope it helps to know that we are praying and will continue to pray for you and your family. May God bless you all,
Laura & Bob Kuipers (Riva)
Laurie Sutherlin Fergus
December 25, 2007
East Kentwood has lost a True Icon in Mr. Friberg. I'll forever remember him walking the halls and his presence at various sporting events. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Laurie Sutherlin Class of 1982
Mark Williams
December 25, 2007
I played for Coach Friberg on the 1969 and 1970 Kentwood football teams. While he taught me and hundreds of other young men the fine points of football, his primary contribution to our lives was teaching us to be men.
Through him, I learned to be patient.
Through him, I learned to prepare.
Through him, I learned to set goals.
Through him, I learned that I could always do more than I thought I could.
Through him, I learned that I must always do the things that give me a chance to win.
He used football to teach life.
With deepest sympathy and respect,
Mark Williams
Kentwood ‘71
December 25, 2007
Dear Julie and Family
Our deepest sympathy.
We are out of town until Jan. 7, 2008. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Bob and Edie Ferguson
Todd Merrill
December 25, 2007
Our heartfeld sympathy to you all, especially Scott and Rich. Your Dad was one of a kind and a great shooter. We have many good memories from Kent League and up at the White River.
Love to you all,
Todd and Susan Merrill
Kevin Brettnacher
December 25, 2007
Dear Rich, Karen, Kelsey & Kyle
I was very sorry to hear of your Dad's death. May the thoughts and prayers be with you and your family and I will be there to help in any way. I am blessed by your friendship and we will all take care of each other in good times and sad times... With Love! Uncle Kevin
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