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Justin Friess Obituary
West Des Moines
Justin Isadore Friess, 80, of West Des Moines, passed away Friday, October 13, 2017 at Scottish Rite Park in Des Moines. A rosary will be held at 9:30 a.m. Monday, October 16, 2017 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. The family will receive visitors after the rosary at 9:45 a.m., with the funeral mass at 10:30 a.m. A luncheon will follow at the parish center.
Justin Friess was born September 23, 1937 in St. Mark, Kansas, as one of ten children to Gudula and John Friess. The family moved to Garden Plain when he was in third grade. He graduated from Garden Plain High School in 1956 and married Mary Jean Sommerhauser November 22, 1958. They raised their family in Garden Plain where he worked for Cargill in Wichita. In 1972, the family moved to West Des Moines to further Justin's eventual 39-year career with Cargill. This was to the relief of the rival high schools: In one football game, he scored on offense, defense and special teams; totaling six touchdowns with two more called back on penalties.
Justin worked as an engineer despite only having an honorary degree from GPU. He had a photographic memory and could recite his siblings, children and grandchildren in order by birth date in just seconds. He enjoyed operating a hobby farm in Winterset, making wine and golfing, including his much-regaled hole-in-one at scenic Cherry Oaks in Cheney, Kansas. He and Jeannie enjoyed traveling with and to visit their siblings, children and grandchildren. One of his greatest pleasures was attending his children's and grandchildren's sporting events and discussing their athletic prowess in great detail.
Justin is survived by his loving wife Jeannie, daughter Michelle McKelvogue (Calvin), sons Doug (Jennifer Marsik), Gary (Ciel) and Keith (Paige); eleven grandchildren: Brooke McKelvogue, Courtney Foster (Kevin), Jamye Friess, Dani Wilson (Josh), Bobbi Friess, Joey Friess, Randi Friess, Alex Friess, Nick Friess, Cooper Friess and Carlie Friess; and three great-grandchildren: Brooks Wilson, Kensi Friess and Asher Foster. He is preceded in death by his parents and six siblings.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be directed to hospice and Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Justin Friess
Sponsored by the Des Moines Register.
6 Entries
John Ramsey
October 19, 2017
My name is John Ramsey, I worked with Justin for many years at the Cargill plant in Des Moines. Although sometimes we didn't see eye to eye, Justin taught me a lot about soybean processing. Over the years the knowledge has helped me move up the ranks. Now I'm a Plant Superintendent for a good company. Justin helped with the things I learned at Cargill. I would like to send my condolences to Justin's family. Sorry for your loss.
Steve Marker
October 18, 2017
I had the pleasure of working with Justin at the Cargill facility in Des Moines. I became a shift supervisor and because he trained me so well. I have enjoyed a successful career in the grain industry. He was a tough task master but an honest and fair man. He will be missed by many.
Sincerely, Steve Marker
Debby Nielsen
October 16, 2017
Nick, sorry for the loss of your Grandfather . As you go forward in your new career know that you have a special Angel watching your back.
John Shung
October 15, 2017
Worked with him...at the plant...I enjoyed his company...and stories...he has helped me out of some tuff times at work...gonna miss him..
Rest easy my friend....
John
Sharon Stump
October 15, 2017
So sorry to hear of Justin passing! ! What a wonderful guy. Always though the world of him. RIP and watch out for your family and mine. Love to you Jeannie and kids. Deepest sympathy, Sharon (Sherry) Stump
Gene Bestgen
October 14, 2017
I regret that I haven't seen Justin in several years, but my high school memories of Justin are many. A big man but a gentle and humble man. Rest in Peace, friend. Gene Bestgen, St. Louis.
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