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Stephen Friedl Obituary
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Steve was born to Marianne and Friedrich (Fritz) Friedl on October 20, 1959, in Grand Rapids, MI. He grew up with his two siblings, Sybille and Harold, and attended East Kentwood High School where he excelled in tennis and academics.
After graduating from high school, he attended Aquinas College as an undergraduate. He then attended medical school at Michigan State University, College of Osteopathic Medicine, graduating in 1989. Steve then went on to complete a five-year surgical residency at Metropolitan Health Hospital (University of Michigan Health West). He continued to call Metropolitan Hospital home for the remainder of his distinguished career, nearly 30 years. As the Director of Surgical Residency Training and Chief of General Surgery, Steve took great pride in mentoring young surgeons. He excelled in leadership positions, ultimately becoming a fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons (ACOS).
Through Metropolitan Health Hospital, Steve met his wife, Dr. Daryl Lawrence-Friedl, who was also a resident at the time. The two married in July of 1991. They enjoyed 33 years of marriage filled with love, travel, and family. Together, they raised three wonderful boys, Brandon, Ryan, and Alexander.
When Stephen wasn't in the operating room, he was always on the move. He loved spending time with his boys, often challenging them to a round of golf at Egypt Valley Country Club. His competitive spirit extended to his love for tennis, which he continued to play in club matches well into his 50s. His zest for life also took him on many adventures, with Disney World being one of his favorite destinations. In fact, he often joked that after retirement he would become a ferry captain at EPCOT.
Steve's legacy is marked by his integrity, kindness, and unwavering dedication to his family and career. He was also a social butterfly; you could often find him striking up friendly conversations with strangers while out in his daily life, always prioritizing making people feel special.
Steve is survived by his wife, Daryl; children, Brandon (Klaire), Ryan (Abbigale), and Alexander; brother, Harold (Lynn); nephew, Christopher; brother-in-law, Kris, as well as several other aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins who will all miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his sister.
Friends may gather with Stephen's family on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, 1-3 PM at Ada Congregational Church, 6330 Ada Drive SE, Ada, MI 49301, where the service to celebrate his life will follow at 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Stephen's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, a cause that was close to his heart.
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Sharon Joy Gordon (Van Dyke)
June 8, 2024
I grew up with Steve on Diane street , we were neighbors. We had so much fun! Everyone wanted Steve on their team whether it was baseball, football or basketball- he excelled in all sports & he was good at everything he tried! We were master camp builders & had an endless supply of lumber because the city of Kentwood was rapidly moving our way! Fritz, Steve´s dad had to keep his tools locked up because we would constantly borrow them to build our many forts & tree houses! We would play in the creek behind our houses & dam up the creek to make our swimming spot deeper....only to have an angry dad from way downstream come home from work & after discovering his backyard creek was a trickle- he´d march upstream to the source of the stoppage- our dam- and would destroy our beautiful & functional project! I have the fondest memories of those amazing times with Steve from about age 8 to about 16....the endless summers ...the winter time sledding down the hill at the end of Diane street.....these were the best of times!! Those were the days my friend-we thought they´d never end ...but they did- we grew up, graduated, went to college, began adulthood, married, had families...etc. I look forward to one day going home to Heaven to be with my Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. There for all of Eternity I´ll be reunited with friends & family that have also received Jesus Christ as their Lord & Savior and have gone on before me. Romans 10:9 states "If you confess with your mouth Jesus Christ is Lord & believe in heart God raised him from death- you will be saved." Know Jesus Christ - and you´ll know where you´re going. I will see you in Heaven Steve.
Ryan Mayhew
June 6, 2024
My thoughts go out to Brandon, Ryan and Alex. I always loved seeing your Dad when I worked at EVCC. He was one of the nicest guys to take care of. He was an exceptional man with a down to earth attitude. May he rest in peace.
Very Respectfully,
Your old friend Ryan
Charles and Cathy Fenton
June 6, 2024
So sorry for your loss. He was a good man who will be remembered fondly and be missed greatly.
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Shannon Buys (combs)
June 5, 2024
Dr. Friedl hired me straight out of school and taught me how to truly care for patients. He never spoke down to me or anyone. He was kind, educational, and had a great sense of humor. The world lost a great man and doctor.
Marc and Terri Burns
June 4, 2024
Dr. Friedl was ALWAYS a kind and caring person. He spent time listening and being attentive to all interactions. A professional. Rest peacefully.
Kristen Miller
June 3, 2024
I adored working with Dr. Friedl in the OR. He was kind, compassionate, fun, and a great surgeon. It was a pleasure to work as a part of his team.
Wishing peace and comfort for the Friedl family.
Martie
June 2, 2024
I worked with Dr Friedl for many years at both the old and new hospital. He was always so pleasant and courteous. So sorry.
sharon leslie
June 2, 2024
It was always a pleasure to work with Steve. HE was one of my favorite surgeons ,always kind and thoughtful to all who worked with him.
Daniel J Olsen, DO
June 2, 2024
Sad news, Steve and I were fellow surgery residents and friends at Metro hospital for years. Steve always showed integrity wanting to do things right and his best. He contributed a lot to the Metro family and will be missed...glad to have shared some our journey together.
Bob VanZalen
June 1, 2024
So sorry to hear this sad news. Steve was a childhood friend and we grew up on the same street. Steve was always proud of his big brother Harold and made no secret that he too would become a doctor. One particular memory was Steve and I playing doctor on milkweed! Steve would pretend the milkweed was in a motorcycle accident and he would do surgery on the stem pretending the "milk" was blood. Somehow he got his hands on a real scalpel. Fond memories of a great man. God Speed Steve!
Donna Rudy
June 1, 2024
I was so sorry to hear of Steve´s passing. I worked with him throughout his residency and as an attending surgeon at Metro.
He was a kind and compassionate physician.
Prayers to his family during this difficult time.
Judy Tatreau
June 1, 2024
For many years I've wanted to tell Steve's boys about when thier Dad saved my husband's life twice, 2006 compartment syndrome of bowel ,Dr Friedl did partial colectomy,my husband was critical in icu,within 48 hours ,130 in morning, he started to crash again this time more bowel dying, I asked resident to call Friedl,she said he wasn't on call,I said please call him,he knows my husband, if he says so allow another surgeon, I'll do it,,well Friedl was there in no time,he saw our 13 year old daughter had brought in her dad's favorite cd(4 tops) and he had the nurse play that music during the surgery till it was done.
My husband is still a active man thanks to Dr Friedl, I'll always be grateful to have worked with him and known his great kindness.
Curt Cooley
June 1, 2024
I grew up with Steve, he lived just down the street from us. Most of my childhood memories include Steve. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
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4291 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
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