Mary Klinger Hagar Friesen

1948 - 2020

Mary Klinger Hagar Friesen

Salem - Mary Friesen, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away on December 10, 2020 at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She lived her life fully with an incredible love of her family and friends. Every morning she would wake up with a smile on her face and was ready to meet the day with her zest for life, whether it was a day of work or a day of play.

Mary was born on November 16, 1948 in Portland, OR to Virgil and Elvina Klinger, joining her brother, Lee. Later her sister, Rose, joined the family. Mary attended North Salem High School until, during her senior year, her mother passed away. She then moved to Portland and graduated from Madison High School.

She married Mike Hagar in 1969 and they had two boys, Shawn and Jeff. She was a dedicated mother, first and foremost. She treasured her boys and was determined to provide the best for them. She was involved in their activities, never missing a soccer game or a swim meet. Later, as a single mom, she and her boys enjoyed snow skiing, camping and waterskiing as she continued working full time.

Mary was always interested in the Salem At Fair and was employed by the Salem Art Association as their business manager.. In 1987, Mary became the office manager for the law firm of Ferder, Ogdahl and Brandt and continued working there until her retirement in December of 2018. She loved her job and all of the people who worked there.

In 2002, Mary and Cliff Friesen were married in Salem. Mary loved family, and her marriage to Cliff created even more family for her to love., Cliff and Mary opened the Blue Elephant Car Wash in 2008 with their partner, Terry Robertson. Mary was always smiling, hardworking, and was determined to make the carwash a success. Opening the car wash fulfilled her dream of having her own business and you would see Mary in the office, or even outside drying cars. She loved the work and the people.

Mary was always interested in helping others and serving the community. She was available to lend a helping hand to friends and extended family, whether it was financial, hard physical work, or providing a place in her home for those who needed it. She was a board member of Northwood Park Swim Club and was involved with the Salem Art Association, CASA and the Boys and Girls Club. She was a member of Kingwood Bible Church and attended there regularly. She also enjoyed traveling, hiking and playing cards.

In June of 2019, Mary was diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumor . Her attitude after the diagnosis was amazing and she cherished every moment that she could spend with her family and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Virgil and Elvira Klinger. She is survived by her husband, Cliff, sons Shawn (Vicki) Hagar of Independence and Jeff of Lakeside, OR, and Cliff's children, Rod (Shannon) Friesen of Tualatin, and Julie (Troy) Lange of Salem, sister, Rose (Dick) Lawrence of Athol, MA, brother Lee Klinger, Renton, WA, nephews Seth Lawrence and Nate (Josie) Lawrence of Massachusetts and Joseph Klinger, Issaquah, WA, niece Gigi Tokin of Seattle, seven grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and numerous friends.

The family would like to thank Willamette Valley Hospice for their care during Mary's final days.

Virgil T. Golden Funeral Services is handling the arrangements. Visitation will be December 30, 2020 from 9-2 and services for Mary will be held at Kingwood Bible Church, 1125 Elm St. NW, Salem, OR on December 30, 2020 at 3:00. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Salem Art Association or a charity of your choice.