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Karen Friedrich Obituary

Friedrich, Karen L. "Effie" Called home unexpectedly to her Lord at the age of 61. Loving daughter of Dorothy and the late LeRoy Friedrich. Dear sister of Judy (Joel) Gesch, Linda Bishop. Devoted Aunt to Kelly (Douglas) Buchanan and Daniel Gesch. Further survived by a host of life long friends. Karen faithfully served her Lord for 39 years as an elementary teacher, most recently at Elm Grove Lutheran School. She will be remembered fondly by generations of students and famililies. Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 29 at the funeral home from 4:30 to 7 PM. Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, July 30 at 10:30 AM at Elm Grove Lutheran Church (945 Terrace Drive, Elm Grove, WI) Karen's vivacious spirit will be celebrated now and in the future. May she rest in God's loving care.

Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Jul. 27, 2014.
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Effie, I first met her at Concordia Milwaukee, She was a dear friend and we had so much fun together in Seward and student teaching in Michigan. You are missed Effie. Love your friend Liz (Rex) Landfried

Liz Landfried

January 3, 2015

My condolences to Karen's family. Ms Friedrich was my 6th and 7th grade teacher, as well as my 8th grade US History teacher at Faith Lutheran School in Whittier, California. Her infectious laugh and wonderful sense of humor is something that I will never, ever forget.

She was a kind, gentle and sincere person who's soul will grace Heaven with a sweetness that honeyed those who knew her.

Even though she is in God's loving embrace, her passing leaves life for the rest of us is a bit dimmer.

Peter Francev

August 11, 2014

I did not know Karen well, but I was very impressed with her literary knowledge at the Elm Grove Library book club I occasionally attended. May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Sally Finnigan

August 2, 2014

We send our condolences to Effie's family. We knew her at Seward, at Faith Lutheran Church and School in Whittier, California and here in the Milwaukee area. God's blessings to you all.

Jon Hanschke

July 31, 2014

Karen was a dear friend to my family in CA. For many years she was a teacher at Faith Lutheran in Whittier, on staff with my mom and they became great friends. When Karen left CA, that friendship continued! Karen's laughter is what I will remember most about her...as well as her sense of humor. Both were infectious! She is now in the arms of God, sharing that laughter with loved ones who have gone on before her! She will be missed. Soli Deo Gloria!

Susan Roeder Ilten

July 30, 2014

Karen was a great lady. I helped her out with things she called me her angel well now she's mine I will miss her.

July 30, 2014

Karen, through the tornadoes, an earthquake, now back home, this was a storm you could not beat. I am so glad we became even closer when you returned to the Milwaukee area. I/we will miss the dry one-liners and the smirk/smiles accompanying them, depending upon what we talked about. I will miss our mutual love for the arts, hearing about the shows you saw and am truely glad I have your "birthday song" on my phone. The quartet also appreciated it after all those years of birthday-grams delivered. Ben & I are sad, but comforted that you are in the Company of the Best that could be :), along with our family and friends who have gone before us. I know you are all celebrating and having just a great time! Love, your cuz...

Cindy & Ben Zieroth

July 30, 2014

I was shocked and saddened as I read Karen's (Effie's) obituary in the Journal.. We met in the 1970's in Girl Souting when I painted her canoe paddle!! We remained friends and have kept in touch ever since.. Never missed a birthday or Christmas greeting.. Her smile and positive attitude will be missed by all who were touched by her!! My Sympathy to her family and the students she loved so much.

Sandy Szymkowski

July 29, 2014

She was my eighth grade teacher at Faith Lutheran in Whittier, CA.

I can still hear her laughing. Her and Kevin Beck (7th grade teacher) were always chuckling. Her laughter always made me smile.

I can still remember her giving me high praise for one of my homework assignments, in which she gave me an A - that didn't occur too often, as I never really applied myself.

Well, Miss Friedrich, I did end up applying myself. I went on to get my Masters in Biological Sciences and I have twin girls that are (luckily) WAY smarter than I was at their age. Thank you for touching the lives of many, MANY, kids and steering us in the right direction.

God bless,
Shauna

July 28, 2014

Ms. Friedrich taught our third and sixth grade classes at Faith Lutheran School in Whittier, CA. She remains, to this day, one of my favorite teachers of all time. She had a wonderful sense of humor and was so much fun.

Kellee (Corcoran) Fernandez

July 28, 2014

Ms. Friedrich taught my daughter a Elm Grove Lutheran School. Stevie loved her. She will be missed by many. May you find peace in Gods care!!

July 28, 2014

Karen Friedrich taught both of our sons at Faith Lutheran School, Whittier, CA She was a good teacher and had a great sense of humor. We remember her fondly and send our condolences to her family and friends as she is laid to rest. Our hope in the Lord is to be reunited with our brothers and sisters in Christ one day. Hope this truth will comfort those who knew and loved her.
Chuck and Betty Jordin,
Bakersfield, CA

July 27, 2014

My deepest sympathy to the family she loved so very much. I still can't believe that I can't pick up the phone and call her. She was one of my dearest friends and colleagues, and she could always make me smile and laugh. I look forward to seeing her again and thank God for making her His child through the waters of Holy Baptism. Christ is risen! Karen, too, will rise on the last day. Thanks be to God!

Sara Kohlmeier

July 27, 2014

So sad Effie was not given more years to spread her love of life. She was a gift and a true friend. God's peace to her family. Effie, you'll make Heaven an even better place. Love from David and Jane (Paul) Boedecker

July 27, 2014

A women who possessed such intellect, yet it was the insightfull one liners that kept us in stitches, will be missed by all. Her students were certainly fortunate to have had her as a teacher. What a loss! I am ever so grateful to have known her. May she rest in peace.

Carolyn Gohr

July 27, 2014

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Memorial Events
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Jul

29

Visitation

4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

BECKER RITTER ELMBROOK FUNERAL HOME

14075 W. North Ave., Brookfield, WI 53005

Jul

29

Funeral service

10:30 a.m.

Elm Grove Lutheran Church

945 Terrace Drive, Elm Grove, WI 53005

Funeral services provided by:

BECKER RITTER ELMBROOK FUNERAL HOME

14075 W. North Ave., Brookfield, WI 53005

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