J. Duane Frieden

And on the 8th day, God looked down on his planned paradise and said, "I need a caretaker."

So, God made a farmer.

A farmer's life, like the seasons, comes to an end, but his legacy and spirit live on in the soil he nurtured. Jay Frieden joined his wife, Connie, in Heaven walking through those gates in cowboy boots, plaid pearl-buttoned shirt, Wranglers and western belt.

J. Duane Frieden was born August 16, 1937, to John and Marie (Gaus) Frieden in Canton, MO. He rode Palomino horses in the LaGrange Saddle Club, and raised Grand Champion Black Angus in 4-H. Jay joined the Army in 1959 and was in the National Guard. He married Connie Tracy in August 1959. They moved from La Grange to Taylor in 1966 where they lived and farmed until Connie passed away on Christmas eve 2022. They had three children-Bryan (deceased), Todd, and Holly.

There was never a smarter man who didn't need college to show his intellect, business acuity, and resourcefulness. He lived by common sense in an age where common sense isn't too common, showing a silent, stoic strength. Admired and respected by countless family, friends, and acquaintances, he was a pillar of his community. Though his tractor is silent, his memory echoes as a family man of love for his numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always willing and ready to give tractor and 4-wheeler rides.

Jay had a sweet tooth, enjoying Connie's downhome cooking and baking. He never turned down a root beer float or a slice of watermelon. He had an ornery sense of humor which served him well on his daily jaunts to the 18-Wheeler Restaurant where he and his friends would rib each other about politics, the latest news and community gossip. Jay loved a good machinery or land auction, gospel country music, German shepherds, tractor parades, puzzles, antique cars, particularly old Cadillacs and his 1957 red and white Ford Fairlane, and vintage tractor restoration. He enjoyed a Gem City pizza and playing a loud game of Pitch. He and Connie took road trips to Branson, many National Parks, Florida, and Colorado.

Jay suffered with dementia and diabetes the last few years of his life making his passing bittersweet. He was a resident of Lenoir Woods in Columbia, Missouri. He leaves behind a harvest of love and a life well lived.

There are no services at this time. A Celebration of Life for family will be held at a later date.