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Floyd Friesen Obituary
After his Naval career, Floyd married his second wife, Mary Haines. The couple initially settled in Fullerton, California, from where they enjoyed traveling to locations in the U.S. and Europe, before relocating to Snug Harbor, North Carolina, where Floyd found joy singing with a Barbershop Quartet, the "Albemarle Sounds". They finally settled in Norfolk, Virginia, near the Norfolk Botanical Gardens-a place they cherished for peaceful walks together.
Floyd was an active member of the Old Dominion University Town and Gown group and the Sons of Norway. He also contributed his time to the Lion's Club and supported numerous conservation organizations until his health declined.
Floyd was predeceased by his parents, Andrew and Sarah Wilmina Gudgel Friesen; his brother John (Anita Barber); sister Mary Ann Baier (Kenny); first wife Barbara Roe; second wife Mary Haines; and daughters Kathy Helvestine (Mike) and Debbie Clark (Brad).
His memory lives on through his loving family: his brother Milo (Phyllis Cunningham) and sister Loleta Kitch (Dennis) and their progeny; daughter Melinda Fuller (Ed); sons Bob (Betsy DiJulio) and Jim (Bill Holton); grandchildren Jackie Clark Yip (Sum), Paul Helvestine (Heather Kline), Clint Fuller, Kevin Helvestine, and Katie Fuller; and great-granddaughters Ellie Clark Yip and Robyn Clark Yip.
Floyd's life will be celebrated privately by his immediate family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Norfolk Botanical Gardens or the Alzheimer's Association.
May his legacy of love, courage, and generosity inspire all who knew him, and be reflected far into the future.
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Will Friesen
January 3, 2025
A few years after he retired from the Navy, I visited Floyd in Fullerton. I had just begun my efforts to become a private pilot and asked why he did not continue to fly after leaving the Navy. He said that after landing on a short and narrow runway that bobs up and down and lists to the left and right at over 200 knots, that then landing on a long wide stationary runway at 70 knots just does not provide the same satisfaction. I was humbled as my own experiences did not quite reach the same level of excitement.
A few years later, I visited Floyd again in Fullerton. This time he was excited to tell me of his new hobby of flying ultralight airplanes out from a strip near Idlewild Ca. Ultralights are even slower than the Cessnas that I was flying. I asked him if he remembered the conversation that we had about private aviation, and did not. I retold the story then he offered that flying in cloth airplane without a cockpit, where the wings flop about like they are about to rip off and you land in an open seat that is barely 6 inches off of the ground there is some excitement.
Thank you for your example of living life fully.
Tyler Bellamy
January 2, 2025
My moments with FF were brief but lasting. I see the wonderful attributes he has passed down to his children. I could only hope to live such a full and decorated life. He will live forever as bolo ties will never be out of style and FF will remain in our hearts
-F.J. Jr.
Melinda Friesen Fuller
December 31, 2024
Dad was a list maker and always had a list of chores (vacuuming, cleaning mirrors, dusting, raking leaves, etc.) for us when he was stationed at home when we were young. After we finished, he always rewarded us with a trip to the local 7-11 for a treat as a reward - one candy of our choice, or a slurpee when it was hot. He had a BIG sweet-tooth, and I think passed it along to all of his children!
Nonis Beauchamp (Friesen)
December 31, 2024
Recall Leslie Friesen family trip to east coast from Illinois in 1973. Dad wanted to connect with Floyd in Virginia Beach. Remember thinking ironically they had 5 children too. Floyd invited us to the naval base there.
Everyone has my condolences during this time. May God give you strength and courage as you continue on your life's journey. Sincerely, Nonis (Friesen) Beauchmp, Sterling, IL.
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Brad Clark
December 30, 2024
I met Floyd while I was dating his daughter, Debbie, in High School (Kempsville HS in Virginia Beach). I was in Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp (NJROTC) in high school and Floyd, who was the Executive Officer (XO) of the USS Independence aircraft carrier at the time, invited me to be his guest for a week of carrier qualifications where aviators from all of the carrier squadrons get re-qualifed to land aboard the ship. As quest of the XO, I had the run of the ship. We would meet everyday and discuss what I had discovered with Floyd adding context. And I was his guest at the head table in the Wardroom (Officer's dinning room). That was a life changing event for me as Floyd saw me eventually marring his Debbie and becoming another carrier aviator (as Floyd was except he flew a much more challenging aircraft to land on a carrier deck). Thank you Floyd for being kind and generous!
Milo
December 30, 2024
When Floyd was 15 and I was 7 we were farmers living south of Rock Falls. Roy Megli and John Wiens purchased the only twine tie baler in the area and hired Floyd to drive John's tractor to bale hay from Walnut to Penrose. He got his hand cought in a belt/pulley of the baler, got a splint, and continued baling.
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