Service Information
Lillian M. Friendt, age 87, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson.
Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at 10:00 A.M. at Harmony River Living Center Chapel in Hutchinson, with interment at a later date in Forest Hill Cemetery in International Falls, Minnesota.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be held one hour prior to the service at Harmony River Living Center.
Obituary
Lillian Marie Friendt was born on January 12, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan. She was the daughter of Carl and Alvhild (Sjursen) Beck. Lillian was dedicated as an infant at Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Birmingham, Michigan. She received her education in Birmingham and was a graduate of the Temple Academy High School Class of 1953.
On May 4, 1963, Lillian was united in marriage to John Friendt at her parent’s home in Southfield, Michigan. This marriage was blessed with four children, Sharon, Steve, Jeff, Kathy, and John’s daughter, Kay. Lillian and John resided in Detroit, Michigan, International Falls, Minnesota, and later moved to Hutchinson, Minnesota. They shared 49 years of marriage prior to the passing of John on April 28, 2012.
Lillian worked for many years at Boise Cascade in International Falls in administration before moving to California, where she continued her professional career at a regional cable company. After Lillian and her family returned to International Falls, she retired in 1995 from TCI Cable. In each position, Lillian was often referred to as a bright light to not only her coworkers but to also the customers she encountered.
Lillian’s life was centered on her faith in Jesus. She was a member of the Assembly of God churches in International Falls and Hutchinson. Lillian was also a member of the Riverside Assembly of God Women’s Group. She was known to be a prayer warrior, often asked by her friends and family to pray for them, she was dedicated to turning to her Lord for wisdom and guidance. Lillian believed that through Christ all things are possible and she would often share that message with those around her. Her unwavering faith was a source of comfort not only to her but to everyone around her. Music was an integral part of her faith as well; she played both piano and organ during church services for many years. And although she could no longer play, she would often be found listening to her favorite worship and gospel music still praising the Lord.
Lillian enjoyed many things in her life. In her early years, Lillian enjoyed camping and spending summers on the lake with her friends and family. She could be found riding bikes with her husband John around the neighborhood. Lillian had an artistic flair, too; she took up sewing and quilting – often making beautiful blankets for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was an avid reader and loved to share her latest reads with those around her. She also loved her teas and loved to share a cup with anyone who stopped by for a visit.
Family was everything to Lillian. Her home was a central meeting place for her four children, their families and her sister’s family. When meals and laughter were shared, Lillian was never happier than when she had her family nearby. She created a home full of love that her grandchildren spent countless hours and often referred to as their second home.
Lillian passed away on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson, at the age of 87 years.
Blessed be her memory.
Lillian is survived by her:
Children, Sharon Platisha and her husband, Chuck of Hutchinson, MN,
Steve Friendt of Hutchinson, MN,
Jeff Friendt and his wife, Mary of International Falls, MN,
Kathy Chalupnik and her husband, Ken of Surprise, AZ;
Step-daughter, Kay Ballas and her husband, Pete of Antigo, WI;
Grandchildren, Heather Platisha and her husband, Anthony Fiarito, Bryan Platisha and his wife, Jessica, Rob Friendt and his wife, Kara, Amanda Woolley and her husband, Matt, Sarah Chalupnik, Ashly Chalupnik, Amy Chalupnik;
Great-grandchildren, Luca Fiarito, Cooper Platisha, Berkley Platisha, Bozeman Platisha, Eden Platisha, Isla Woolley, Asher Woolley, Lily Friendt;
Sister, Naomi Lindhag of International Falls, MN;
Many Nieces, Nephews, and other relatives and friends.
Lillian is preceded in death by her Parents, Carl and Alvhild; Husband, John Friendt; Brother-in-law, Carl Lindhag.
Linda Hoernemann says
Sharon, So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. May the good Lord help you and your family thru this difficult time.
Your friends at HearingLife in Glencoe.
Sarah Eckstein says
I am sad to hear about Lillian’s passing. I enjoyed visiting with her at Harmony River and hearing about her grand babies. Her room always smelled so sweet and she said that she had you (Sharon) to thank for that.
Donna Olson says
Sharon,
I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of ur mom, Lillian. She is the reason that our whole family came to know the Lord n I will always b thankful for her willingness to love us to Jesus! I pray that God’s peace will carry u n ur family through this difficult time. Rest in the knowledge that she is now with our Lord & Savior Jesus receiving her eternal inheritance!
Love in Him,
Donna Olson
Cindy Homer says
It is with mixed emotions that I write this post. I’m saddened to hear about Lillian’s passing yet I celebrate her entrance into the arms of our loving Savior. She was a remarkable woman who touched the lives of many people. She not only talked about the love and saving power of Jesus Christ but lived it on a daily basis. Sending condolences to her children: Sharon, Steve, Jeff, and Kathy, her sister Naomi, and all her grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She might be gone from your presence but her memories will be stored in your hearts forever. Cherish your memories and share them with each other. Let the cherished memories carry you through the days ahead. Praying the Lord brings comfort to each of you. May He give you a peace that passes all understanding because you have the assurance that she has received her crown of glory. One day you will be reunited. Hugs and love to all, Cindy Homer
Bobbi Brekke says
Love to the Friendt family from the Brekkes: Sis & Bob, Bobbi Ann & Dave, Stephanie, Kate, Joe, Jakob, & Grace.
Lillian was lucky to have you, Sharon, as you were to have you.
Cindy Kraemer says
Our sympathies on the loss of your mom, she was a great lady. Sending love from Cindy and Greg
Kiki says
Our hearts go out to you at the loss of your mom. To know she is now in the presence of her precious Lord and Savior gives us unspeakable joy and peace. We have so many fond memories of our times up at the Falls. The men going fishing and the women sitting around the kitchen table laughing and catching up on life. But more than anything was the love we shared for Jesus. May God’s comfort and peace strengthen each of you in the days, months, and even years to come.
Love to all,
Kiki and Rick
Ruth Hostetterruth says
So sorry to hear of Lilian’s passing She and John were good friends over many years. My prayers are with the family
Julia (Gadbois) Braaten and family says
We send along our love and prayers for you to find peace in your happy memories with such a sweet lady.
Stu and Bev Olson says
Our deep condolences to Lillian’s family. She and John were good friends to us, and we had countless laughs together back in the day. Lillian and I had many practice sessions at the organ and piano, and she was always encouraging, exuding confidence for my sake. She was a great hostess and welcomed us (new people) with open arms. Most of all, she loved our Lord Jesus and pointed others to His grace and mercy whenever she could. May you have His peace and comfort in these days, with lots of good memories shared.